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Pathology - Polycythemia vera
A myeloproliferative neoplasm primarily affecting the erythroid lineage, typically linked to a somatic gain-of-function mutation in the JAK2 gene. Epidemiology: Incidence ranges from 1 to 2.5 cases per 100,000 individuals annually. The median age upon diagnosis is 60 years. • There is a minor masculine predominance.

Aetiology: Unknown. Genetics: Over 95% of cases exhibit the JAK2 V617F mutation, resulting in uncontrolled proliferation of all myeloid cells, particularly affecting the erythroid lineage. The advancement of the disease correlates with the development of chromosomal abnormalities.

Presentation • May be incidentally detected with a full blood count or manifest with symptoms associated with hyperviscosity (headache, dizziness, visual disturbances, venous or arterial thrombosis). • The majority of individuals exhibit plethoric conditions and hepatosplenomegaly. Complete blood count: elevated hemoglobin, increased red cell count, heightened hematocrit (HCT), and augmented packed cell volume (PCV). • Frequently, I monitor white blood cell count and platelet levels. The bone marrow exhibits hypercellularity resulting from an elevation in all myeloid lineages, termed 'panmyelosis.' Erythroid progenitors and megakaryocytes are the most prominent cell types. Megakaryocytes exhibit loose clustering and frequently demonstrate considerable variation in size and morphology.

Prognosis: Median survival exceeds 10 years with treatment. The majority of patients succumb to thrombosis or hemorrhage. Approximately 20% succumb to the progression of myelodysplasia or acute myeloid leukemia (AML).


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