Petechia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

minor Petechia

Name of Symptom/Sign:
**Petechia**
*Classifications and external resources*
ICD-10	R23.3
ICD-9	782.7

A petechia (IPA pronunciation: [pə'tiki.ə]), plural petechiae (IPA pronunciation: [pə'tiki.aɪ]) is a small red or purple spot on the body, caused by a minor hemorrhage (broken capillary blood vessels).

Petechiae may be a sign of thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts). They also occur in circumstances when platelet function is inhibited (e.g., as a side effect of medications or during certain infections) or when excessive pressure is applied to tissue (e.g., when a tourniquet is applied to an extremity or with excessive coughing).

Petechiae in adults should always be quickly investigated. They can be interpreted as vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels, which requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage. Some malignancies can also cause petechiae to appear. In anyone over eighteen, petechiae should be investigated by a physician within a day or so to rule out the more dangerous conditions. Dermatologists can be the most helpful specialists in these conditions, because they can more easily identify if the condition is petechiae or some similar looking but less worrisome rash.

The significance of petechiae in children depends on the the clinical context in which they arise. Petechiae in children are particularly common with viral infections. In this setting, they do not necessarily signify serious illness. They are the hallmark of some possibly serious illnesses, however, such as meningococcemia or various causes of thrombocytopenia.