Percutaneous coronary intervention in a patient with von Willebrand's disease presenting with an acute coronary syndrome
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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
John Macdonald1, Manivannan Srinivasan, Ranjit More
1Blackpool Victoria Hospital, United Kingdom.
Insights
Managing acute coronary syndromes in patients with von Willebrand disease requires careful consideration of bleeding and clotting risks. This case highlights percutaneous coronary intervention strategies and discusses von Willebrand factor
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Optimal management for von Willebrand disease (VWD) patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remains undefined.
- VWD affects hemostasis due to deficient or dysfunctional von Willebrand factor (VWF).
Observation:
- A clinical case of successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) post-ACS in a VWD patient is presented.
- Review of existing literature on VWD, ACS, and interventional cardiology procedures.
Findings:
- VWF plays a key role in ACS pathophysiology.
- Low VWF levels may offer potential cardioprotective effects.
- Balancing hemostasis and antiplatelet therapy is critical in VWD patients undergoing PCI.
Implications:
- This case and review provide insights into managing VWD patients with ACS.
- Recommendations for optimizing hemostatic and antithrombotic strategies are suggested.
- Further research is needed to establish definitive management guidelines.
Abstract:
The optimal management strategy for patients with von Willebrand's disease presenting with acute coronary syndromes is unclear. We present a clinical case of percutaneous coronary intervention following an acute coronary syndrome in a man with von Willebrand's disease. Other published case reports are reviewed. The central role of von Willebrand factor in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndrome and the possible cardioprotective effects of low levels of the protein are discussed. Practical considerations regarding hemostasis and antiplatelet therapy are addressed. Finally, recommendations for the management of patients with von Willebrand's disease presenting with acute coronary syndromes are suggested.
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