Essential Thrombocythemia with Renal Infarction: A Case-Based Review
Essential Thrombocythemia with Renal Infarction: A Case-Based Review Introduction Essential thrombocythemia (ET), also known as essential thrombocytosis, is a rare chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by persistent elevation in platelet count without an identifiable reactive cause. Patients are often asymptomatic but may present with thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications. This column reviews a real-life case of renal infarction secondary to ET in a 72-year-old female, followed by an in-depth discussion on its etiology, pathophysiology, imaging findings, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Case Presentation Patient : 72-year-old female Chief Complaint : Left flank pain for 2 days Physical Exam : Unremarkable Lab Findings : Platelet count: 652,000/µL (normal: 150,000–400,000/µL) WBC and RBC: Within normal range Previous platelet count: Unknown Imaging : Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT revealed a filling defect in the left renal artery and a perf...