No abstract

We assessed previously undiagnosed thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis in 11 testosterone (T)-taking men, five of whom developed deep venous thrombosis (DVT), four pulmonary embolism, one spinal cord infarction, and one osteonecrosis 3.5 months (median) after starting T gel (50-160 mg/day) or T intramuscular (50-250 mg/week). In the order of referral because of thrombosis after starting T, thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis was studied in 11 men, and, separately, in two control groups without thrombosis - 44 healthy normal male controls and 39 healthy men taking T. Nine men had DVT or DVT-pulmonary embolism after 3.5 months (median) on T, one spinal cord infarction after 5 days on T, and one had osteonecrosis (knee and then hip osteonecrosis after 6 and 18 months on T). Four of the 11 men (36%) had high factor VIII (≥150%) vs. one of 42 (2%) controls (P = 0.005), and vs. one of 25 (4%) T-controls, (P = 0.023). Of the 11 men, two (18%) had factor V Leiden heterozygosity vs. none of 44 controls, (P = 0.04) and vs. none of 39 T-controls(P = 0.045). Of the 11 men, three had 4G4G plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 homozygosity, one prothrombin G20210A heterozygosity, one low protein S, and one high factor XI. When T was continued, second DVT-pulmonary embolism recurred in three of 11 men despite adequate anticoagulation. T interacts with thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis leading to thrombosis. Men sustaining DVT-pulmonary embolism-osteonecrosis on T should be studied for thrombophilia. Continuation of T in thrombophilic men appears to be contraindicated because of recurrent thrombosis despite adequate anticoagulation. Before starting T, to prevent T-associated thrombosis, we recommend measures of factor V Leiden, factor VIII, and the prothrombin gene.

Von Willebrand Factor (vWF) is a large glycoprotein with a broad range of physiological and pathological functions in health and disease. While vWF is critical for normal hemostasis, vascular integrity and repair, quantitative and qualitative abnormalities in the molecule can predispose to serious bleeding and thrombosis. The heritable form of von Willebrand Disease was first described nearly a century ago, but more recently, recognition of an acquired condition known as acquired von Willebrand Syndrome (AVWF) has emerged in persons with hematological, endocrine and cardiovascular diseases, disorders and conditions. An in-depth understanding of the causes, diagnostic approach and management of AVWS is important for practicing clinicians.

Pseudoaneurysm (PSA) formation is a rare but well‐known complication of coronary stenting. It develops after a procedural perforation disrupts the integrity of the vessel wall but is contained by a single wall layer, usually pericardium, extravascular thrombosis and later fibrosis. Medical literature of PSA consists primarily of case reports. A systematic review of pseudoaneurysm after coronary stenting was performed to summarize its presentation, diagnostic imaging modalities, natural history, and management approaches. Clinical presentations range from asymptomatic to hemodynamic collapse, size from small to “giant,” and treatment approaches from surgical or percutaneous exclusion to “watchful waiting” and imaging surveillance. Based on current information, a management algorithm is provided recommending urgent to emergent exclusion for symptomatic PSA, elective exclusion for large and giant PSA, and “watchful waiting” and periodic imaging surveillance for small to moderate sized PSA.

The worldwide prevalence of cardiovascular disease in general and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in particular is a health and economic concern of unparalleled proportion. Despite a long history of astute observations beginning in 1575 made by Fallopius, followed by those of von Rokatansky, Virchow, Osler, and Ross, and incremental knowledge of the pathobiology of atherosclerosis to include varying stages of inflammation, response to internally and externally mediated vascular injury, and impaired homeostasis, gaps in the field's understanding persist. Here, we summarize the current scope of the problem for coronary artery disease, emerging constructs in its pathobiology and common clinical phenotypes, potentially useful biomarkers, clinical trials designed specifically to test the 'inflammation hypothesis' of disease, and the interface of pathobiology and precision medicine as a foundation for diagnosis, management, and future advances in the diagnosis, prognosis, natural history, prevention, and optimal management.