Pre PACES Podcast #46 Polycythaemia
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Nov 6, 2022 Dr Suzy Morton, consultant haematologist and co-host of Blooducation, brings specialist insight into polycythaemia. She explains how it often appears as an incidental referral. Short, practical history and examination pointers are discussed. Tests like haematocrit, EPO and JAK2 are highlighted. Management principles such as aspirin, venesection and when to refer are reviewed, plus a light Taylor Swift quiz for fun.
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Exam Found Hidden Polycystic Kidneys
- Dr Suzy Morton recounts finding undiagnosed polycystic kidneys on abdominal exam as the cause of polycythaemia.
- The patient had 'nice big fat kidneys' that they'd never been told about, underscoring the value of examination.
Short List Of Conditions That Cause Both Arterial And Venous Clots
- Only a few conditions cause both arterial and venous thrombosis: myeloproliferative disorders, antiphospholipid syndrome and rarely PNH.
- Remember right-to-left shunts as an alternative explanation for arterial events originating from venous clots.
MPNs Can Transform Over Years
- Myeloproliferative disorders are stem-cell diseases affecting multiple lineages and can progress to myelofibrosis or acute myeloid leukaemia.
- PV has a 5–15% 20-year risk of AML, so diagnosis carries long-term surveillance implications.