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Mesenteric vein thrombosis and vascular plasminogen activator
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|October 1, 1983
Summary
A woman with low vascular plasminogen activator release experienced fatal mesenteric vein thrombosis. This highlights a potential link between impaired activator release and severe venous thromboembolism.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Hemostasis
- Thrombosis
Background:
- Defective release of vascular plasminogen activator (t-PA) is a rare condition.
- Livedo reticularis can be associated with thrombotic disorders.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old woman presented with livedo reticularis and significantly low levels of releasable vascular plasminogen activator (0.007 CTA units/mL).
- Her family history revealed a pattern of venous thrombosis, mirroring previously described pedigrees with impaired t-PA release.
Findings:
- The patient developed fatal thrombosis of multiple abdominal veins, including portal, splenic, hepatic, and superior mesenteric veins, leading to small-bowel infarction.
- Genetic or acquired defects in plasminogen activator release can lead to severe thrombotic events.
Implications:
- Impaired vascular plasminogen activator release is a potential risk factor for mesenteric vein thrombosis.
- Early diagnosis and management of plasminogen activator deficiency may prevent life-threatening thrombotic complications.
- Further research into the genetic and molecular mechanisms of t-PA release defects is warranted.