Objective, planimetry-based assessment of megakaryocyte histological pictures in Philadelphia-chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative disorders: a perspective for a valuable adjunct diagnostic tool.

Philadelphia-chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative disorders (Ph- CMPDs)--essential thrombocythemia (ET), chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIMF), and polycythemia vera (PV)--may show clinical and morphological similarities, particularly at the early stages. The differential diagnosis of Ph- CMPDs is important due to their different treatment and prognosis. Cytological features of megakaryocytes are considered valuable in this differentiation.