What laboratory findings are commonly associated with Polycythemia Vera?

The correct answer highlights key laboratory findings associated with Polycythemia Vera (PV).

Polycythemia Vera is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by an overproduction of red blood cells (RBCs), which leads to an increased total blood volume or hypervolemia. One of the hallmarks of PV is the presence of a JAK2 mutation, specifically JAK2 V617F, found in the majority of patients. This mutation causes constitutive activation of signaling pathways that promote erythrocyte production, leading to increased RBC mass. Therefore, in patients with PV, you would typically see elevated levels of RBCs and an increase in total blood volume, alongside the presence of the JAK2 mutation.

Other options do not accurately reflect the laboratory results associated with Polycythemia Vera. For instance, decreased RBCs and total volume does not fit the disease profile, as PV is known for its increase in RBCs. Similarly, normal RBC counts with increased white blood cells do not align with PV, as the disease primarily affects red cell production, not white blood cells. While increased RBCs and increased platelet counts are observed in PV, the mention of the JAK2 mutation is a critical distinguishing factor