Hematologic Malignancies USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 59-year-old man presents with headaches, dizziness, and intense pruritus after hot showers. Vital signs show BP 158/92 mmHg, HR 88/min, RR 16/min, temp 37.2°C. Examination reveals facial plethora and splenomegaly. Laboratory studies show hemoglobin 18.5 g/dL, hematocrit 58%, platelets 450,000/μL, and serum erythropoietin 2 mIU/mL (low). Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase is elevated. No fever or weight loss reported. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer choices
- AEssential thrombocythemia
- BPolycythemia veraCorrect answer
- CChronic myelogenous leukemia
- DWaldenstrom macroglobulinemia
- ESecondary polycythemia due to hypoxia
- FPrimary myelofibrosis
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