Foamy Histiocytes in Spleens Removed for Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

1. Foamy histiocytes with mucopolysaccharide granules are reported in 3 of 47 spleens removed from patients with the clinical picture of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

2. The absence of lipid in these histiocytes is demonstrated in one case.

3. These cells resemble the foam cells of thalassemia by their mucopolysaccharide content and absence of lipid.

4. The possibility of a histiocytosis manifesting as ITP is suggested.