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Diagnosis in ET and PV

CME

Diagnostic Precision in Essential Thrombocythemia and Polycythemia Vera

Physicians: Maximum of 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit

Released: February 02, 2026

Expiration: August 01, 2026

Activity

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Introduction

In this module, Joan How, MD, provides an overview of the diagnostic criteria for polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET), including the role of bone marrow biopsies in prognosis and diagnosis. Challenges in the diagnosis of various myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are discussed.

The key points discussed in this module are illustrated with thumbnails from the accompanying downloadable PowerPoint slideset, which can be found here or downloaded by clicking on any of the slide thumbnails in the module alongside the expert commentary.

Before continuing with this educational activity, please take a moment to answer the following questions.

How many people with PV or ET do you provide care for in a typical month?

For those who practice in academic or community settings, please indicate your practice setting:

Case History

The patient is a 64-year-old man referred to you for elevated blood counts that were observed during an emergency department visit for chest pain with a subsequent diagnosis of myocardial infarction. He has a history of arterial hypertension and a deep vein thrombosis 4 years prior. He has palpable splenomegaly (2 cm). His hemoglobin is 20 g/dL, hematocrit is 61.7%, white blood cell count 12.8 x 109/L, and platelets 750 x 109/L. Additional testing reveals a JAK2 V617F positivity (VAF of 58%) and low serum erythropoietin. 

Do you have enough information to make a definitive diagnosis of either ET or PV?

Case History

A 32-year-old housewife presents with fatigue and headaches. She has splenomegaly (1 cm below costal margin). A complete blood count demonstrates platelets 650 G/L, white blood cell count 6.1 G/L, hemoglobin 13 g/dL, hematocrit 42%, normal MCV. Testing reveals normal iron and C-reactive protein, BCR-ABL1 negative, JAK2 V617F positive.

Do you have enough information to make a definitive diagnosis of either ET or PV?