Relationship between megakaryocyte mass and serum thrombopoietin levels as revealed by a case of cyclic amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract

Cyclic amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare syndrome characterized by periodic failure of megakaryocytopoiesis. In this report we describe a patient with cyclic amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with a megakaryocyte specific serum IgG antibody, who responded to cyclosporin A therapy. Serial serum thrombopoietin assays during an episode of platelet cycling demonstrated a reciprocal relationship between serum thrombopoietin level and megakaryocyte mass, suggesting that megakaryocytes have an important role in the regulation of thrombopoietin metabolism.