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[Chorea revealing a polycytemia vera]

I Ben Ghorbel1, T Ben Salem, M Lamloum

  • 1Service de médecine interne, hôpital La Rabta, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia. benghorbelimed@yahoo.com

La Revue De Medecine Interne
|August 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Chorea, an abnormal movement disorder, can be a key indicator of polycythemia vera (a blood disorder). Early diagnosis through blood tests in elderly patients is crucial for effective treatment and management.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Neurological symptoms are frequently observed in patients with polycythemia vera.
  • Chorea, a type of hyperkinetic movement disorder, is a rare but significant neurological manifestation.

Observation:

  • A 78-year-old male presented with headache and chorea.
  • Laboratory results revealed elevated hemoglobin (20 g/dL) and hematocrit (62.3%), indicating absolute erythrocytosis.
  • Genetic testing confirmed the presence of a JAK2 V617F mutation.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with polycythemia vera-associated chorea.
  • Treatment with therapeutic phlebotomy and hydroxyurea led to favorable clinical and biological outcomes.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering polycythemia vera in elderly patients presenting with chorea.
  • A complete blood cell count is recommended for early detection of polycythemia vera in such cases.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management can significantly improve patient outcomes.

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