Erythrocytosis - Polycythemia Differential Diagnosis Algorithm



Elevated Hemoglobin:

 • Males: Hb > 16.5 g/dL/HCT ≥ 49%

 • Females: Hb > 16 g/dL/HCT ≥ 48%



Polycythemia Vera

Secondary Polycythemia - Acquired Causes:

 • Hypoxia-driven: Cardiac/pulmonary disease, Smoking/CO poisoning, OSA/OHS, High altitude habitat

 • Hypoxia-independent: Post-renal transplant, Paraneoplastic (e.g., RCC, HCC, uterine fibroids, cerebellar hemangioblastoma, pheochromocytoma), TEMPI (VEGF normal), Testosterone/drug use



Matthew Ho, MD PhD @MatthewHoMD



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