Unexpected normal ROTEM results in protein C deficiency with IVC thrombosis

Protein C deficiency is a hereditary disorder that increases the risk of thrombotic events but has unclear effects on rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) analysis. A man in his 60s with a history of protein C deficiency and multiple thrombotic events underwent inferior vena cava (IVC) filter removal, iliocaval thrombectomy and infrarenal IVC placement for IVC-related complete iliocaval and common femoral vein thromboses. A ROTEM analysis showed normal coagulation in NATEM and EXTEM and only a slight shortening in A10 and A20 in INTEM, which was unexpected given his diagnosis of protein C deficiency. Normal results indicate that there is complexity and variability of coagulation to maintain a balanced state even in individuals with underlying coagulation disorders.