Primary myelofibrosis

Alternative names:

agnogenic myeloid metaplasia; idiopathic myelofibrosis; myelofibrosis; myeloid metaplasia

Symptoms:

• fatigue
• abdominal fullness related to an enlarged spleen
• easy bleeding
• bone pain
• pallor
• shortness of breath on exertion
• bruising

Signs and tests:

Physical examination shows an enlarged spleen. Later in the disease it may also show an enlarged liver.

• A peripheral smear shows teardrop-shaped red blood cells.
• The white blood cell count is variable.
• The platelet count is variable.
• Bone marrow biopsy may be performed to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
• CBC shows a low red blood cell count.

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
• factor V assay
• euglobulin lysis time
• bone marrow aspiration