Abnormal blood clots that are a result of essential thrombocythemia (ET) can lead to a variety of potentially serious complications including:  

• Stroke. A clot that blocks blood flow to part of the brain. The loss of blood flow to the brain can damage brain tissue. Symptoms of a stroke include dizziness, numbness, weakness on one side of the body, and problems with talking, writing or understanding language.
• Heart Attack. A clot that blocks blood flow to the heart.
• Pregnancy Complications. Uncontrolled ET can cause pregnancy complications, including:
  • Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)
  • Fetal growth retardation
  • Premature delivery
  • Placental abruption (premature separation of the placenta and uterus)
• Other Blood Diseases. Occasionally, ET can transform into myelofibrosis, another MPN that results in bone scarring, anemia, and enlargement of the spleen and liver. In a smaller number of cases, ET may progress to myelodysplastic syndromes, or acute myeloid leukemia. 

Related Links

• Download or order The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s free booklet, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.