If a patient presents with a platelet count of 20, what is the likely diagnosis?

A platelet count of 20, which indicates severe thrombocytopenia (a significantly low level of platelets in the blood), is most commonly associated with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

In ITP, the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys platelets. This leads to a markedly reduced platelet count, which can lead to symptoms such as easy bruising, petechiae (small red or purple spots on the body), and increased bleeding tendencies. The condition is often diagnosed after ruling out other causes of thrombocytopenia and can occur in both children and adults.

While acute lymphoblastic leukemia also presents with low platelet counts, especially in advanced stages, it is typically accompanied by other blood abnormalities such as elevated white blood cell counts and anemia. IgA vasculitis, also known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, primarily affects children and involves skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys, but does not usually present with such severe thrombocytopenia. Hemolytic uremic syndrome can cause a low platelet count, but it is generally characterized by a combination of hemolytic anemia, acute kidney injury, and more specific clinical features that are not singularly indicative of the low platelet