Pericardial hemorrhage due to acetylsalicylic acid in a patient with essential thrombocythemia.

Essential thrombocythemia is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder that causes thrombocytosis. Essential thrombocythemia is characterized by increased incidence of thrombosis with arterial event more than venous events and hemorrhagic complications. Acetylsalicylic acid enhances both minor and major bleedings. The authors describe pericardial hemorrhage, which is related to the use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid in a patient with essential thrombocythemia. The patient was successfully managed with clopidogrel therapy during the 16 months follow-up without recurrent thrombotic or hemorrhagic events.