Challenges in Diagnosing Polycythemia Vera in Primary Care: A 55-Year-Old Malaysian Woman with Atypical Presentation

• Published in: American Journal of Case Reports
• Main Author: Paiman N.S.H.; Nasir N.M.; Miptah H.N.; Saidon N.; Monir M.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Scientific Information, Inc. 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85204041566&doi=10.12659%2fAJCR.944202&partnerID=40&md5=b03a1915c50f4c53486a1dc81c7b4575

Objective: Mistake in diagnosis Background: Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPNs) marked by elevated hemoglobin and hemato-crit, which can lead to thromboembolic events and progress to myelofibrosis or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). MPNs, including PV, are relatively rare in Malaysia, and there is currently no recent published data reporting the demographics and outcomes of PV patients in the country. In Western countries, routine annual blood tests are standard, whereas this practice is less common in Malaysia, underscoring the need for improved awareness and accessibility to ensure timely diagnosis of PV. Case Report: This report presents a case of a 55-year-old Malaysian woman in a primary care setting, initially misdiagnosed with benign conditions due to atypical presentations of recurrent bilateral eye redness and dizziness. Persistent symptoms led to further evaluation by primary care and hematologist, which revealed elevated hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytosis, JAK2 V617F mutation, and low serum erythropoietin levels, confirming PV, even with-out proceeding with a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment with phlebotomy, hydroxyurea, and aspirin resulted in significant improvements in ocular symptoms and hematological parameters within 60 days. Conclusions: This case underscores the critical role of primary care in the early detection of polycythemia vera. Timely identification and appropriate referral from primary care settings are essential to avoid diagnostic delays and ensure effective management, improving patient outcomes and preventing complications. © Am J Case Rep, 2024.