Acute thrombocytopenic purpura in a child with brucellosis

Abstract EN

An 11-year old girl presented with acute thrombocytopenic purpura and a painful right hip.

The findings of the bone marrow aspiration were compalible with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

She was treated with oral steroids and all her symptoms disappeared, she returned with recurrence of hip pain and serum agglutination test performed at the time of initial hospitalization were strongly positive for brucellosis.

She was successfully treated with doxycycline and gentamicin.

Review of literature revealed only 2 cases of childhood brucellosis presenting with acute thrombocytopenic purpura. This case highlights one of the many unusual presentations of brucellosis and emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion in endemic areas.