CBC counts

[ott70]

I've been having mystery symptoms for around 5 months now without much resolution other than something viral. I have been having some bruising lately (where blood was drawn, squeezing a couple of blackheads on my arm -- shame on me!) and some petechiae. The petechiae is sparse, so I have maybe 20 of them or so scattered across my body, mainly on my arms but some on the neck and chest. My primary doesn't seem too concerned about this.

I have had CBC counts pulled probably 4 or 5 times in the last 5 months. Nothing from my CBC counts suggest a blood disorder. Just some low lymphocytes that were almost back in range during my last CBC (2 weeks ago).

So if I had something leukemic in my body are the multiple CBC's a good enough indicator to catch something like that or at least warrant further testing? I have not had my bone marrow tested since the doctors I have seen have not found any results in my bloodwork to suggest the need to.

I think that I have read that viral activity in a body can cause skin conditions, petechiae, and bruising. Is this logical? I have also had some swollen lymph nodes (I posted about this in a separate question on this forum) and various other body pains that have migrated around for the last few months. My spleen is slightly enlarged and my EBV titers are high (but the main titer for mono was in range). Once again, the CBC results did not flag my doctors.

Viral? Lyme disease?

[ott70]

Thanks for your comments, Dr. Paul. Now I know why my primary probably rolls his eyes each time I come in. This chronic viral condition has been real stressful for the last few months just because I have never felt this way before.

I appreciate the comments and insight you offer on the forum. Best wishes.

[PaulMD]

Hi.

It is indeed very hard to recommend further work up (such as the invasive bone marrow biopsy) in someone whose peripheral blood counts (CBC) are normal.  It is indeed possible that your present symptoms are explained by chronic viral infections such as the EBV.

The EBV may also cause vascular manifestations such as the petechiae that you are having.  This reflects by the ability of viruses to alter the permeability of the small blood vessels as well as to affect the activity of platelets.

Regards.