Hyperhomocysteinemia and Pulmonary Embolism in a Young Male

The association of hyperhomocysteinemia with thrombosis has provoked debate in the medical literature. Although studies have found associations between moderate homocysteine elevations and thrombotic events, others dispute this relationship. We present herein the case of a 24-year-old male who presented with unprovoked bilateral submassive pulmonary emboli. Extensive hypercoagulability workup was notable for an elevated homocysteine level, in addition to low vitamin B12 and folate levels. Of note, the patient had a history of small bowel resection after trauma, which may have contributed to the aforementioned metabolic derangements, potentially increasing his risk for thrombosis and interfering with the efficacy of his anticoagulation.