ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Bleeding Complications in JAK2-Negative Polycythemia

Abstract

Thrombotic and bleeding complications are major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with polycythemia vera, who predominantly present with an alteration in the JAK2 gene. Because of their hypercoagulable state and risk of hemorrhage, patients with polycythemia vera who present with an acute myocardial infarction pose a challenge to physicians. This case report describes the presentation and treatment of a Hispanic patient with JAK2 V617F–negative primary polycythemia who developed cardiac arrest and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction owing to complete occlusion of the left anterior descending artery as well as bleeding complications and postmyocardial pericarditis.