Title: Patho-anatomical Features of the Spleen and Liver
Abstract: A moderate splenomegaly is present in most cases of PV, but only in a minority of these cases can a myeloid metaplasia be detected by spleen puncture. In our experience its presence signals that the transition to MF is on the way. In early stages of PV the cytology of spleen aspirates is usually not strikingly abnormal but often conspicuous yields of large platelet aggregates signal an increased sequestration of blood cells (and especially of platelets) as a possible explanation for the splenomegaly. A myeloid metaplasia in the enlarged spleen and also in the liver is an essential diagnostic criterion for clinical MF. It is noted, however, that the myeloid metaplasia is often not present in a degree sufficient to explain the sometimes excessive enlargement of these organs in MF. This is probably due to a combination of several factors, still incompletely understood. It is stressed that spleen puncture with a fine needle is a simple, reliable and in our experience innocent method to establish the presence of myeloid metaplasia and is thus a decisive factor in the diagnosis of MF, especially in early stages of this disease. However, the extensive use of spleen puncture may also imply problems of differential diagnosis, due to the rather common occurrence of splenic myeloid metaplasia in other clinical conditions. It should be realised that the invasion of the bone marrow by malignant tumours, especially lymphomas, is rather often the cause of myeloid metaplasia, long presenting as agnogenic in the clinical picture.
Publication Year: 1975
Publication Date: 1975-06-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref', 'pubmed']
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Cited By Count: 24
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