Category Hematology

Atherothrombosis

Morbidity and mortality from atherosclerosis, the pathologic process underlying acute myocardial infarction, sudden death, stroke, and limb loss, represent an enormous burden on society and health care systems (see Chapter 144, Chapter 145, Chapter 146 ). Even though death rates…

Venous Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) encompasses deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT commonly affects the deep veins of the legs, and infrequently involves veins at other anatomical sites (such as upper extremity, splanchnic, or cerebral veins). Thrombotic occlusion of…

Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid (aPL) syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombophilic syndrome for which definitive disease mechanisms have not been established. The condition is defined and diagnosed by a constellation of clinical and laboratory criteria, detailed below. This chapter reviews the current understanding…

Hypercoagulable States

Arterial and venous thromboses are common problems for all clinicians. Some patients with thrombosis have an underlying hypercoagulable state. These hypercoagulable states can be divided into three categories: inherited disorders, acquired disorders, and those that are mixed in origin. Inherited…

Hemophilia A and B

Hemophilia is the most common, severe inherited bleeding disorder recognized in humans. The X-linked mode of inheritance has been appreciated since biblical times, and the previous occurrence of the disease in the European royal family has added further interest in…