Acquired von Willebrand syndrome with inhibitors both to factor VIII clotting activity and ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation

Abstract

A case of acquired von Willebrand's syndrome (vWs) is described which appeared to be due to antibodies directed against factor VIII clotting activity (FVIIIC), factor VIII-related antigen (FVIIIRAg) and von Willebrand factor. The antibodies directed against FVIIIRAg was demonstrated by the inhibitory effect of a platelet eluate on Ristocetin-induced aggregation of normal platelets. This effect was not shown by the patient's platelet-poor plasma alone, nor could it be demonstrated in platelet eluates from 13 other patients who had antibodies to FVIIIC but in whom there was no evidence of an acquired vWs.