Polycythaemia Vera and Chorea

Polycythaemia vera is often associated with neurological syndromes, but it is rare for it to present as chorea. A 71-year-old woman presented totally incapacitated by her gross chorea and responded dramatically to treatment of her underlying polycythaemia vera. A haematological relapse was accompanied by a mild recurrence of symptoms, which again improved after further venesection. The possible pathogenesis is discussed.