Thrombotic complications in Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms

Abstract

Thrombotic complications are frequently observed in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). They remain a main cause of mortality in a majority of above mentioned
patients. In venous system, thrombosis may manifest as venous thromboembolism as well as it may affect veins of unusual locations. In arterial system, it involves coronary, mesenteric and cerebral vessels. Patients with primary myelofi brosis (PMF) were found to have an increased risk of thrombotic complications as well. It was demonstrated that the risk of thrombosis is increased in patients older than 60 years and with a history of thrombotic episode. The other risk factors may
include leukocyte count at diagnosis (in PV/ET) and the presence of JAK2V617F point mutation (PV/ET/PMF). Our paper presents the current views on factors infl uencing the development of thrombosis. The probable pathomechanism of thrombosis has also been discussed.