Role of platelet electron microscopy in the diagnosis of platelet disorders

Semin Thromb Hemost. 2009 Mar;35(2):213-23. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1220329. Epub 2009 Apr 30.

Abstract

The electron microscope has proved to be a useful tool to study and understand the biology of platelets and to classify many platelet disorders. After a technical overview, this article reviews syndromes originating from platelet organelle, cytoskeleton, and membrane defects for which electron microscopy plays a role in the diagnostic process, such as gray platelet syndrome, Paris-Trousseau syndrome, storage pool diseases, MYH9-related thrombocytopenias, or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Particular focus is given to the ultrastructural aspect of platelets in these disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Platelet Disorders / blood*
  • Blood Platelet Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism
  • Blood Platelets / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / methods*