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Gray platelet syndrome: macrothrombocytopenia with deficient a-granules

Gray platelet syndrome: macrothrombocytopenia with deficient a-granules
#00014017
Author: Walter H. A. Kahr and Yigal Dror
Category: Platelet and Megakaryocyte Disorders > Hereditary Platelet Disorders
Published Date: 11/06/2012

A 7-year-old boy of Pakistani origin was referred for thrombocytopenia and possible IgA deficiency. His medical history was significant for frequent upper respiratory tract infections and otitis media. There was no history of epistaxis, oropharyngeal bleeding, petechiae, bruising, or other bleeding problems. Physical examination was normal with no evidence of hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory evaluation revealed hemoglobin 129 g/L, white blood cell count 7.4 × 109/L, and platelet count 58 × 109/L. There was no family history of thrombocytopenia or bleeding; both parents (unrelated) and a sibling had normal platelet counts. Peripheral blood film examination (see figure) revealed large pale platelets, suggesting a diagnosis of gray platelet syndrome, which was confirmed by electron microscopy. Next-generation sequencing of platelet RNA demonstrated intron retention in NBEAL2 transcripts. Genomic DNA sequencing confirmed compound heterozygous mutation of NBEAL2.