Factor XII Deficiency Mimicking Bleeding Diathesis: A Unique Presentation and Diagnostic Pitfall.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Coagulation science

Background:

• Factor XII (FXII), or Hageman factor, is crucial for intrinsic coagulation and fibrin formation.
• FXII deficiency typically prolongs activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), suggesting a bleeding risk.

Observation:

• An elderly male presented with a prolonged aPTT during preoperative evaluation for hip fracture repair.
• Laboratory results indicated a potential bleeding tendency.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with factor XII deficiency.
• Despite the prolonged aPTT, no intra-operative or post-operative bleeding complications occurred.

Implications:

• Factor XII deficiency may not correlate with clinical bleeding, challenging diagnostic assumptions.
• This case underscores the importance of clinical correlation alongside laboratory findings in coagulation disorders.