Digital gangrene: can be the first manifestation of essential thrombocythemia? a case report

• Published in: Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) Vol. 86; no. 2; pp. 1200 - 1204
• Main Authors: Mirhosseini, Amirhossein, Bozorgmehr, Ramin, Bastan, Fatemeh, Rashidian, Maryam
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.2024
• ISSN: 2049-0801; 2049-0801
• DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001671

Introduction and importanceEssential thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare chronic myeloproliferative hematologic disorder, leading to an elevated platelet count. Two-thirds of patients are asymptomatic during their lifetime, while others may experience symptoms like redness, congestion, and erythromelalgia after long symptom-free intervals.Case presentationThe authors present a rare instance of a 55-year-old female who, despite receiving aspirin and losartan treatment, eventually developed digital gangrene. In further work-ups, she had an elevated platelet count and a positive JAK 2 mutation. Her platelet count was reduced throughout treatment with aspirin, hydroxyurea, and heparin, which was followed by the necrotic tip of her index finger being surgically debrided.Clinical discussionSignificant symptoms, such as severe acrocyanosis and even peripheral gangrene, can be treated with a single dose of aspirin. Daily aspirin consumption withstanding, this case developed the severe form of ET. In addition, while thrombocytosis predisposes patients to thrombotic complications in theory, there is little evidence to support a correlation between absolute platelet count and thrombosis.ConclusionThe initial symptom of ET could be such severe and uncommon that may develop arterial acral thrombosis despite previous daily low-dose aspirin consumption.