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Circulating Anticoagulant Due To Factor Viii Deficiency With Spontaneous Remission; Case Report

Getzen, J. H. 1967Lymphoma

Southern Medical Journal 60(4): Apr 1967; 378-381

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Abstract

A case of angio-immunoblastic lymphadenopathy (AIL) in an over 80-year-old female patient is reported. The onset of the disease was characterized by general malaise, pruritus and macupapular rash on the legs, focal lymphadenopathy, strong polyclonal gammopathy, obliteration of the lymph node architecture due to a proliferation of lymphocytes, plasma cells, immunoblasts, small vessels, and deposit of amorphous PAS-negative material. The course was favorable with spontaneous remission of the adenopathy, progressive normalization of the protein disorder, lymph node cellular depletion with the persistence only of the lymphocytes. This disease, which may be caused by a viral infection, is considered a benign type of AIL where the immunologic disorder is only temporary.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

41-year-old menstruating woman

Clinical Characteristics

Developed evidence of circulating anticoagulants, inhibitory qualities against factor viii, life-threatening hemorrhages, blood loss, involvement in vital area, congestive heart failure, hypotension

Remission Characteristics

Spontaneous remission, no evidence of recurrent bleeding, coagulation studies have now remained entirely normal

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Not discussed

Clinical Treatment

Therapeutic trial, including steroids, blood transfusions

Additional Notes

The patient maintained the defect for a period of 5 years. All therapeutic trials did not produce any significant alteration in her coagulation defect. She was able to maintain her same blood group and never developed a serious blood reaction. Her last serious illness was characterized by congestive heart failure, hypotension and at one point she was considered in extremis, but recovered and was discharged without evidence of recurrent bleeding.