Platelet Satellitism

Platelet adherence to polymorphonuclear leukocytes, or so-called platelet satellitism, has, to our knowledge, been reported in only four patients. We had the opportunity to study this phenomenon in two patients. Platelet satellitism was only seen in EDTA anticoagulated blood, and the platelets were seen to surround polymorphonuclear leukocytes only. Electron microscopic studies demonstrated focally opposed regions of platelet and neutrophil plasma membranes. Phagocytosis of platelets was also observed. In vivo and in vitro platelet functions were normal. Platelet satellitism is an in vitro phenomenon, the cause of which is unknown. We are unable to relate it to functional abnormalitles of the blood, the clinical condition of the patient, or to drugs. This phenomenon has some clinical importance in that it causes spurious thrombocytopenia.