What Does Petechiae Mean?
peh-TEE-kee-eye
IPA: /pɪˈtiː.ki.aɪ/
peh
TEE
kee
eye
Petechiae is pronounced peh-TEE-kee-eye
What does Petechiae mean?
Petechiae are small (≤2 mm), pinpoint, non-blanching red or purple spots on the skin caused by minor hemorrhages from capillaries.
How do you pronounce Petechiae?
Petechiae is pronounced "peh-TEE-kee-eye". Syllables: peh - tee - kee - eye.
When is Petechiae used in medicine?
Critical causes: meningococcemia (petechiae + fever = medical emergency), thrombocytopenia, DIC, leukemia, vasculitis, endocarditis (Janeway lesions). Also seen with Valsalva (coughing, vomiting) in benign context.
Word Parts & Etymology
Italian originpetecchieskin spot, from Italian dialect
Common Misconceptions
Petechiae + fever + neck stiffness is meningococcal meningitis until proven otherwise — this is a life-threatening emergency. Do not delay treatment for confirmatory tests.
Clinical Context
Critical causes: meningococcemia (petechiae + fever = medical emergency), thrombocytopenia, DIC, leukemia, vasculitis, endocarditis (Janeway lesions). Also seen with Valsalva (coughing, vomiting) in benign context.
Master Petechiae and 1,100+ More Medical Terms
Practice pronunciation with AI feedback, flashcards, and spaced repetition.
Download on App Store