[True polycythemia: current views of pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment].

Current concepts of true polycythemia are reviewed. Results of numerous epidemiological studies on the prevalence of this form of myeloproliferative neoplasms are presented with special reference to recent findings concerning its pathogenesis and the role of JAK2V617F mutation that occurs in the majority of patients. The clinical picture and new diagnostic criteria are discussed The data on the incidence and prevalence of the disease and its complications are considered including venous and/or arterial thrombosis, transformation into post-polycythemic myelofibrosis and acute myeloleucosis.