[Spurious thrombocytopenia caused by granulocyte platelet rosettes (platelet satellitism) (author's transl)].

Extraordinary platelet adherence to polymorphonuclear leukocytes was seen in EDTA anticoagulated blood smears of two patients. From the same blood samples platelets were greatly reduced in number. Platelet satellitism (granulocyte platelet rosettes) is a rare phenomenon in vitro, only seen in EDTA anticoagulated blood, and the platelets surrounded polymorphonuclear leukocytes only. Phagocytosis of platelets was also observed. The cause of platelet satellitism is unknown. Capillary blood should be investigated in order to prevent a false thrombocytopenia.