Polycythemia Vera: An Unusual Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleed

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2023

Publication Title

American Journal of Gastroenterology

Abstract

Introduction: Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm categorized by the presence of elevated red blood cell mass. It causes an increased risk of thrombosis but is not usually linked with gastrointestinal bleed (GIB). Portal hypertension is a common cause of esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic liver. However, Polycythemia Vera can lead to noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). Here we present a case of recurrent upper GIB because of NCPH due to polycythemia Vera without thrombotic complications. Case Description/Methods: A 71-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) due to 2 weeks of melena. He had a similar episode 4 months prior to this presentation. He was diagnosed with PV about 20 years ago, which eventually transformed to myelofibrosis in 2022 with positive JAK2. In the ED, labs were notable for hemoglobin 6.3 g/dl(normal 13.5-17g/dl). He was initially managed with 2 units of pRBC transfusion, IV fluids, IV PPI and octreotide drip. CT scan of the abdomen was notable for splenomegaly. Doppler ultrasound of the liver showed patent hepatic vasculature without any evidence of thrombosis. A prior MRI elastography done 3 months ago had shown multiple enhancing bilobar nodules suggestive of multiple focal nodular hyperplasia vs regenerative nodular hyperplasia. At the current admission, the patient underwent upper endoscopy which revealed grade II varices in the lower esophagus which were successfully banded. Following this, his hemoglobin stabilized along with the improvement of symptoms. The patient was subsequently discharged with oral PPI and repeat endoscopy was planned for 6 weeks for variceal screening. Discussion: Bleeding esophageal varices is a common entity that is found in cirrhotic patients due to portal hypertension. Additionally, thrombosis of liver vasculature may lead to NCPH. Myeloproliferative disorders predispose to intrahepatic thrombotic complications. However, as evidenced by the case above, patients with PV can have NCPH in absence of thrombosis. In such patients, a nodular transformation along with increased portal flow due to splenomegaly could be significant contributory factors. Thus, in conclusion, in patients with myeloproliferative disorders who present with GIB, it is important to consider NCPH even in absence of thrombotic complications. This will help in an early diagnosis and intervention.

Volume

118

Issue

10S

First Page

S2470

Comments

American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting, October 20-25, 2023, Vancouver, Canada

DOI

10.14309/01.ajg.0000965096.99923.d8

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