Hematologic Disorders and the Nervous System

OBJECTIVE This article discusses the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurologic complications of red blood cell, platelet, and plasma cell disorders. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Cerebrovascular complications can occur in patients with blood cell and platelet disorders. Treatment strategies to prevent stroke are available for patients with sickle cell disease, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia. A diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura should be considered in patients with neurologic symptoms, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, mild renal insufficiency, and fever. Plasma cell disorders can be associated with peripheral neuropathy, and classification of the monoclonal protein type and neuropathy aid in diagnosis. Patients with POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and skin changes) syndrome can present with arterial and venous neurologic events. ESSENTIAL POINTS This article discusses the neurologic complications of blood cell disorders and the most recent advances in prevention and treatment.