The presence of splenomegaly in patients with polycythemia vera is due to __________.

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Splenomegaly in polycythemia vera is primarily due to extramedullary hematopoiesis, which occurs as a compensatory mechanism as a result of increased red cell mass in the bone marrow. This can cause an enlargement of the spleen as it tries to take over some of the hematopoietic function from the overloaded bone marrow. Intramedullary hematopoiesis (A) refers to normal hematopoietic activity within the bone marrow. Erythrocytopenia (C) is the opposite of polycythemia vera and refers to a decrease in red blood cells. Myeloid metaplasia (D) is a rare complication of polycythemia vera in which the bone marrow is replaced by fibrous tissue.

The Presence of Splenomegaly in Patients with Polycythemia Vera Is