Polycythemia vera as a cause for progressive cognitive impairment].

A 82-years old woman was admitted with a progressive cognitive decline for further investigations and treatment. In the computed tomography of the brain findings of subcortical artherosclerotic encephalopathy (SAE) were present. Laboratory findings revealed elevated hemoglobin-levels (19.9 g/dl). In further investigations we found a mutation in JAK-2 as diagnostic sign for polycythemia vera (Pv). After specific treatment of the Pv cognition improved significantly. In this case report we were able to relate the progressive cognitive impairment in the context of newly diagnosed Pv in conjunction with pre-existing SAE. After Pv-directed therapy cognition improved. This case report underlines the importance of a good diagnostic work-up of patients with cognitive impairment to rule out secondary and possible treatable causes. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Citation

Michael Kowar, Kai Wilhelm, Andreas H Jacobs. Polycythemia vera as a cause for progressive cognitive impairment]. Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift (1946). 2020 Nov;145(22):1625-1627

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PMID: 33142329

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