[Defects in the prostaglandin system. VII. (Generalized, inherited [?]) cyclooxygenase defect]

Investigation of platelet function in a 55 year-old male suffering from peripheral vascular disease revealed platelet cyclooxygenase deficiency. Examination of femoral artery tissue at a later date likewise showed the presence of a cyclooxygenase defect. Investigated relatives were not affected. A 39 year-old male smoker admitted with an acute myocardial infarct without prodromal symptoms exhibited similar laboratory findings. In contrast to the cases reported in the literature so far, both our patients suffered from severe atherosclerosis, a relatively high platelet activity and an additional cyclooxygenase defect of cells other than the platelets. The patient with peripheral vascular disease died from sudden cardiac arrest.