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Definition

noun

A polycythemia characterized by an increased production of red blood cells as caused by an abnormality of the bone marrow.

Supplement

Primary polycythemia is a form of myeloproliferative disease since the bone marrow is producing too many cells too quickly. Symptoms include headaches, vertigo, and an abnormally enlarged spleen and/or liver. It may progress, although rarely, into acute leukemia.

Synonyms:

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

See also: secondary polycythemia