Thromb Haemost 1990; 63(01): 013-015
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1645677
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Premature Arterial Disease Associated with Familial Antithrombin III Deficiency

E J Johnson
1   The Department of Haematology, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK
,
C R M Prentice
2   The Department of Medicine, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
,
L A Parapia
1   The Department of Haematology, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 18 July 1989

Accepted after revision 03 November 1989

Publication Date:
02 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

Antithrombin III (ATIII) deficiency is one of the few known abnormalities of the coagulation system known to predispose to venous thromboembolism but its relation to arterial disease is not established. We describe two related patients with this disorder, both of whom suffered arterial thrombotic events, at an early age. Both patients had other potential risk factors, though these would normally be considered unlikely to lead to such catastrophic events at such an age. Thrombosis due to ATIII deficiency is potentially preventable, and this diagnosis should be sought more frequently in patients with arterial thromboembolism, particularly if occurring at a young age. In addition, in patients with known ATIII deficiency, other risk factors for arterial disease should be eliminated, if possible. In particular, these patients should be counselled against smoking.