A rare case of thromboembolism in a 21-year old female with elevated factor VIII

Abstract

In this article we present the history of a previously healthy female adolescent, who was seen at our hospital with abdominal pain. This was the result of a large floating thrombus in the aorta. Widespread embolism occurred, which lead to the loss of a limb and a left hemicolectomy. Although our patient is a smoker, used oral contraceptives and was found to have a heterozygote mutation at the factor V Leiden gene, the most important factor contributing to her thrombophilia is thought to be her significantly elevated factor VIII. We stress an aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach in young patients with unknown embolism in order to avoid the grave consequences of delay.