Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
05:23
Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
Published on: March 14, 2017
Hemichorea associated with polycythaemia vera
1Department of Neurology, Marmara University Hospital, Tophanelioglu Cad. No: 13-15, 34640 Altunizade, Istanbul, Turkey. ipekmidi@yahoo.com
Summary
Polycythaemia vera can rarely cause chorea, a movement disorder, particularly in elderly women. Prompt phlebotomy treatment improved a patient
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
Background:
- Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm.
- Chorea is an uncommon neurological complication of PV.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old female presented with acute hemichorea-ballism.
- No vascular lesions were identified in the basal ganglia.
- Chorea symptoms correlated with elevated hematological parameters.
Findings:
- The patient's chorea resolved following phlebotomy.
- This suggests a direct link between polycythemia and chorea presentation.
Implications:
- Polycythemic chorea should be considered in the differential diagnosis of movement disorders, especially in elderly patients.
- Early diagnosis and management of PV can prevent or resolve neurological complications like chorea.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Disorders of Erythrocytes
Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
01:24Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
01:22Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...
01:24Disorders of Hemostasis
Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.