Rapid Review: Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia Vera
- Patient will be complaining of headache, dizziness, pruritus after showering
- PE will show hypertension, splenomegaly
- Labs will show increased RBC mass, overproduction of all cell lines, increased Hgb
- Most commonly caused by mutation of the Janus kinase 2 gene (JAK2)
- Treatment is phlebotomy, hydroxyurea, aspirin
Sample question:
A 60-year-old man presents to your office complaining of generalized pruritus following warm showers. He also states that he has been fatigued and had several nosebleeds in the past month. Physical exam reveals splenomegaly and engorged retinal veins. You suspect polycythemia vera. Which of the following findings will confirm that your diagnosis?
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