Essential thrombocytosis pathophysiology

Pathophysiology
The pathologic basis for this disease is unknown. However, essential thrombosis resembles polycythemia vera in that cells of the megakaryocytic series are more sensitive to growth factors. Platelets derived from the abnormal megakaryocytes do not function properly, which contributes to the clinical features of bleeding and thrombosis.

In 2005, a mutation in the JAK2 kinase (V617F) was found by multiple research groups  to be associated with essential thrombocytosis in around 30% of cases. JAK2 is a member of the Janus kinase family. This mutation may be helpful in making a diagnosis or as a target for future therapy.