Essential Thrombocytosis

Introduction

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  • Neoplasia of mature myeloid cells (mostly megakaryocytes)
    • typically high levels of erythrocytes, granulocytes are also seen
  • Caused by a JAK2 kinase mutation 
  • Seen mainly in older adults (5th-6th decade)

Presentation

  • Symptoms
  • bleeding

Prognosis, Prevention, and Complications

  • May progress to acute leukemia or myelofibrosis
  • High risk of venous thrombosis
    • also increased risk of bleeding due to dysfunction of neoplastic platelets