Inadvertend catch of a factor VIII rich thrombus with a femoral sheath during cardiac catheterization

Abstract

The role of elevated factor VIII as a risk factor for thromboembolic events during atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been explored. Here, we present a case of a white Caucasian male with paroxysmal AF suffering from thromboembolic complications in the presence of persistently increased factor VIII levels. Immunohistological examination revealed a granulocyte-rich cardiac embolus with large deposits of factor VIII. The association between elevated factor VIII levels and thromboembolic events, especially in AF patients without classical thromboembolic risk factors, merits further investigation.