Stroke in essential thrombocytemia: discussion of 2 cases

Not only the total number of platelets but their normal or abnormal functio n are essential points to be analyzed in case of stroke associated with thr ombocytemia. When possible the treatment of arterial episodes in thrombocyt emia should not be surgical. Anti-platelet agents and the rigourous control of the different risk factors are warranted to limit the activation of abn ormal platelets on early endothelial lesions and thereby limit the risk of recurrent accidents. We report two typical cases illustrating these differe nt points (J Mal Vasc 1999; 24: 300-302).