Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and carotid plaque burden in patients with essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera

•Inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of MPN, and inflammatory conditions are closely related to the development and exacerbation of atherosclerosis.•Thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera (PV/ET) have higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and carotid plaque burden than the normal population.•PV/ET was a highly inflammatory and atherosclerotic condition expressing potentially increased cardiovascular risk.