Open AccessPolycythemia vera presenting with pulmonary embolism and splenic infarction: a case report
Author(s) -
Ping Huang,
Yuhong Li
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of international medical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1473-2300
pISSN - 0300-0605
DOI - 10.1177/03000605211072801
Subject(s) - medicine , polycythemia vera , pulmonary embolism , pulmonary infarction , splenic infarction , radiology , rivaroxaban , sputum , surgery , warfarin , pathology , spleen , tuberculosis , atrial fibrillation
Pulmonary embolism and splenic infarction are rare in patients with polycythemia vera. We herein describe a man in his early 60s whose main symptoms were chest tightness, cough, and sputum expectoration. Antibiotics, bronchodilators, and mucoactive agents did not improve his symptoms. Pulmonary artery computed tomography angiography showed pulmonary embolism, and abdominal computed tomography showed multiple hypodense foci in the spleen. Bone marrow aspiration cytology, biopsy, and genetic testing confirmed polycythemia vera. The patient’s symptoms were relieved after treatment with hydroxyurea and rivaroxaban. This case emphasizes that although pulmonary embolism and splenic infarction are relatively rare in patients with polycythemia vera, the possibility of polycythemia vera should be considered in clinical practice.