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Definition

noun

A chronic form of polycythemia in which there is overproduction of red blood cells (as well as non-lymphoid white blood cells and platelets) as a result of an abnormality of the bone marrow.

Supplement

Polycythemia vera is a form of myeloproliferative disease, which means that the bone marrow is producing too many cells too quickly. It may evolve, although rarely, into acute leukemia.

Abbreviation: PCV or PV

Synonyms:

• primary polycythemia
• polycythemia rubra vera (PRV)
• erythremia
• Vaquez-Osler syndrome
• Vaquez's disease
• Osler's disease