Thrombotic, Cardiovascular, and Microvascular Complications of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms and Clonal Hematopoiesis (CHIP): A Narrative Review

Abstract

The most common causes of morbidity and mortality in the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), with the exception of myelofibrosis, are venous and arterial thrombosis, as well as more recently discovered cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is the subclinical finding in an individual of somatic mutations that are also found in clinically overt MPNs and other myeloid malignancies. The prevalence of “silent” CHIP increases with age. CHIP can transform into a clinically overt MPN at an estimated rate of 0.5 to 1% per year. It is likely, therefore, but not proven, that many, if not all, MPN patients had antecedent CHIP, possibly for many years. Moreover, both individuals with asymptomatic CHIP, as well as clinically diagnosed patients with MPN, can develop thrombotic complications. An unexpected and remarkable discovery during the last few years is that even CHIP (as well as MPNs) are significant, independent risk factors for CVD. This review discusses up-to-date information on the types of thrombotic and cardiovascular complications that are found in CHIP and MPN patients. A systemic inflammatory state (that is often subclinical) is most likely to be a major mediator of adverse reciprocal bone marrow–cardiovascular interplay that may fuel the development of progression of MPNs, including its thrombotic and vascular complications, as well as the worsening of cardiovascular disease, possibly in a “vicious cycle”. Translating this to clinical practice for hematologists and oncologists who treat MPN patients, attention should now be paid to ensuring that cardiovascular risk factors are controlled and minimized, either by the patient’s cardiologist or primary care physician or by the hematologist/oncologist herself or himself. This review is intended to cover the clinical aspects of thrombosis and cardiovascular complications in the MPN, accompanied by pathobiological comments.