Related Experiment Videos
Axillary vein thrombosis in adolescent onset systemic sclerosis
A Leak1, K J Patel, E G Tuddenham
1Section of Molecular Rheumatology, Haemostasis Research Group, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Systemic sclerosis in a 16-year-old girl was linked to axillary vein thrombosis. Investigations revealed prolonged clot lysis time, anti-endothelial cell antibodies, and elevated von Willebrand factor antigen.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities.
- Venous thromboembolism is an uncommon but serious complication in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old female patient with a two-year history of systemic sclerosis presented with left axillary vein thrombosis.
- The patient had no other known risk factors for thrombosis.
Findings:
- Laboratory investigations revealed a prolonged euglobulin clot lysis time, indicating impaired fibrinolysis.
- Elevated levels of anti-endothelial cell antibodies were detected, suggesting endothelial dysfunction.
- Increased von Willebrand factor antigen levels were observed, further supporting endothelial activation and prothrombotic state.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential association between systemic sclerosis and venous thromboembolism in adolescents.
- Endothelial dysfunction and impaired fibrinolysis may contribute to the thrombotic risk in young patients with systemic sclerosis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and establish optimal management strategies for thrombosis in this population.