Hemarthrosis in a pediatric patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic
purpura and Lyme arthritis
Abstract
Presentation of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is dependent
on degree of thrombocytopenia with no to mild bleeding symptoms,
primarily mucocutaneous bleeding. Severe bleeding of other organ systems
is a rare complication. Spontaneous hemarthrosis is rare in patients
without hemophilia. We report a child presenting with oral and cutaneous
petechial lesions and left knee hemarthrosis without trauma. Laboratory
findings showed severe thrombocytopenia consistent with ITP. Serologic
tests were consistent with Lyme disease. Hemarthrosis was presumed
secondary to Lyme disease monoarticular joint inflammation with bleeding
exacerbated by severe thrombocytopenia. Hemarthrosis resolved and
platelet counts normalized following immunoglobulin infusion, steroid
course, and antibiotics.