Isolated case of platelet satellitism around white blood cells and phagocytosis by neutrophils and monocytes

INTRODUCTION: Rarely, platelets can interact with other blood elements, forming platelet aggregates. This paper presents an isolated case of platelet satellitism around neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes with platelet phagocytosis by both neutrophils and monocytes. CASE PRESENTATION: The subject was an 89-year-old woman with breast cancer on anti-estrogenic hormone cancer therapy. Whole blood sample collected in a tube with EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid) anticoagulant was analysed within 4 hours, using an XN haematology analyser (Sysmex). The CBC (complete blood count) presented the following results: WBC (White blood cell) 4.0 x 10(9)/L, RBC (Red blood cell) 3.58 x 10(12)/L, haemoglobin 116 g/L, haematocrit 34.9%, MCV (Mean corpuscular volume) 97.5 fL, MCH (Mean corpuscular haemoglobin) 32.5 pg, MCHC (Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) 33.2 g ⁄dL, RDW (Red blood cell distribution width) 14.6% and PLT (Platelet) 136. CONCLUSION: This manuscript describes the platelet satellitism around neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes and the interesting, very rare and singular phenomenon of platelet phagocytosis by not only neutrophils but also monocytes.