[B- and T-lymphocyte compartments in the spleen in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura].

The exstirpated spleens of 62 patients in each case with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and traumatic rupture of the spleen were comparatively examined macroscopically, histologically and morphometrically. The mean follicle diameters of the spleen were significantly greater in ITP patients than in those of controls. With 500 microns identified as an upper limit of normal follicle diameter, ITP patients could be divided into two groups of equal size below and above this limiting value. The thrombocyte values determined at the time of splenectomy and 6 months before it were significantly lower in ITP patients with enlargement of spleen follicles than in those ITP patients with spleen follicle being in the normal range. Thus, the morphometrical determination of the spleen follicle size can provide a semi-quantitative reference to the extent of synthesis of autothrombocytic antibodies. In T-lymphocyte compartments there was no difference between ITP and controls.