Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder where the immune system destroys platelets, resulting in easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. A peripheral blood smear of a patient with ITP would show a low platelet count. While the exact cause of ITP is unknown, it is considered an autoimmune disorder where antibodies form against platelet surface proteins, marking the platelets for destruction by macrophages in the spleen.

1. IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC
PURPURA
Tara Rajendran
Visiting Medical Student
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical
Centre
03/09/2017
2.45 PM

8. Peripheral blood smear from a patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) s