FACTOR V LEIDEN ABSTRACTS: Arterial thromboembolic events in patients with the factor V Leiden mutation.

Eskandari MK, Bontempo FA, Hassett AC, Faruki H, Makaroun MS Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania, USA. [Am J Surg 1998 Aug;176(2):122-5]

BACKGROUND: The factor V Leiden mutation affects 6% of the United States population and is known to be associated with venous thrombosis. We identify, herein, 30 individuals with the Leiden mutation and known arterial thromboembolic events.

METHODS: The factor V mutation was assessed using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: In the 16 patients sustaining a cerebrovascular accident, the mean age was 44.1 and 11 (69%) were younger than 50. Similarly, the 13 patients presenting with an acute myocardial infarction were relatively young with a mean age of 45.5, and 9 (65%) patients presented at less than 50 years of age. Radiographic information was available for 19 patients in this study. No significant arterial atherosclerotic disease was demonstrated in 18 (95%) of these patients.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates an association between the factor V Leiden mutation and the development of unexplained arterial thromboembolic events, especially in younger patients without existing atherosclerotic disease.

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