PO047 | TRANSIENT IDIOPHATIC ACQUIRED VON WILLEBRAND SYNDROME: A RARE CHALLENGING CONDITION WITH A POSSIBLE RAPIDLY AND FAVOURABLE EVOLUTION
Abstract
Background and aims. The acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS) is a rare but probably understimated bleeding disorder characterized by laboratory findings and clinical presentations similiar to those of inherithed von Willebrand disease. However, unlike the inherited disease, AvWS occurs in adults with no personal or family history of bleeding diathesis. Although AvWS is particularly frequent in lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative disorders, it can also be associated with solid tumors, immunologic and cardiovascular disorders including congenital heart defects, aortic stenosis, and the use of left ventricular assist devices, and other miscellaneous conditions. Various mechanisms are implied in the pathophysiology of AvWS, the majority of them leading to the increased degradation or clearance of circulating vWF. The aim of this abstarct is to demonstrate the significance of follow-up in cases of AvWS without a recognised underlying cause, given the possibility of spontaneous clinical and laboratory resolution of the haemorrhagic condition. Case report. Considering the aforementioned points, we present a case of a 56 years-old woman that was referred to our centre in 2024 due to multiple episodes of epistaxis and easy bruising. She exhibited negative bleeding histories even in trigger conditions (surgery, childbirth) and no family history of bleeding diathesis. No comorbidities were present at diagnosis and both autoimmune evaluation and cancer screening were negative. One year after diagnosis, a complete clinical and laboratory resolution was observed. As rare disease, the diagnostic process is complex and involves multiple steps, requiring an experienced and specialized laboratory. Despite pathological laboratory results, confirming the acquired nature of this disorder remains a significant diagnostic challenge. The first step routine coagulation tests and vWF screening were performed: factor VIII (FVIII) dosage, VWF Antigen (vWF:Ag), VWF activity (VWF:Ac), VWF ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) and collagen binding assay (CBA). Afterwards, dilution and subsequent in vivo recovery test with plasma derived von Willebrand factor concentrate were performed. A genetic test was performed. Dilution and in vivo recovery tests strongly suggested an acquired form. Genetic analysis was inconclusive. One year after diagnosis, no more antibodies were found. Conclusions. The AvWS is a rare bleeding disorder with a diagnostic work-up and optimal treatment highly individualized. The management remains challenging, particularly when discrepancies arise between laboratory findings and the patient’s medical history. For this reason, especially in cases without an underlying cause, it is important to perform close follow-up for the possibility of rapid favorable resolution of the condition.
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BibTeX
@article{murante2026po047,
title = {{PO047 | TRANSIENT IDIOPHATIC ACQUIRED VON WILLEBRAND SYNDROME: A RARE CHALLENGING CONDITION WITH A POSSIBLE RAPIDLY AND FAVOURABLE EVOLUTION}},
author = {Giovanni Murante},
journal = {Bleeding, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
url = {https://www.btvb.org/btvb/article/view/863},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - PO047 | TRANSIENT IDIOPHATIC ACQUIRED VON WILLEBRAND SYNDROME: A RARE CHALLENGING CONDITION WITH A POSSIBLE RAPIDLY AND FAVOURABLE EVOLUTION
AU - Giovanni Murante
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/26
JO - Bleeding, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology
UR - https://www.btvb.org/btvb/article/view/863
AB - Background and aims. The acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS) is a rare but probably understimated bleeding disorder characterized by laboratory findings and clinical presentations similiar to those of inherithed von Willebrand disease. However, unlike the inherited disease, AvWS occurs in adults with no personal or family history of bleeding diathesis. Although AvWS is particularly frequent in lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative disorders, it can also be associated with solid tumors, immunologic and cardiovascular disorders including congenital heart defects, aortic stenosis, and the use of left ventricular assist devices, and other miscellaneous conditions. Various mechanisms are implied in the pathophysiology of AvWS, the majority of them leading to the increased degradation or clearance of circulating vWF. The aim of this abstarct is to demonstrate the significance of follow-up in cases of AvWS without a recognised underlying cause, given the possibility of spontaneous clinical and laboratory resolution of the haemorrhagic condition. Case report. Considering the aforementioned points, we present a case of a 56 years-old woman that was referred to our centre in 2024 due to multiple episodes of epistaxis and easy bruising. She exhibited negative bleeding histories even in trigger conditions (surgery, childbirth) and no family history of bleeding diathesis. No comorbidities were present at diagnosis and both autoimmune evaluation and cancer screening were negative. One year after diagnosis, a complete clinical and laboratory resolution was observed. As rare disease, the diagnostic process is complex and involves multiple steps, requiring an experienced and specialized laboratory. Despite pathological laboratory results, confirming the acquired nature of this disorder remains a significant diagnostic challenge. The first step routine coagulation tests and vWF screening were performed: factor VIII (FVIII) dosage, VWF Antigen (vWF:Ag), VWF activity (VWF:Ac), VWF ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) and collagen binding assay (CBA). Afterwards, dilution and subsequent in vivo recovery test with plasma derived von Willebrand factor concentrate were performed. A genetic test was performed. Dilution and in vivo recovery tests strongly suggested an acquired form. Genetic analysis was inconclusive. One year after diagnosis, no more antibodies were found. Conclusions. The AvWS is a rare bleeding disorder with a diagnostic work-up and optimal treatment highly individualized. The management remains challenging, particularly when discrepancies arise between laboratory findings and the patient’s medical history. For this reason, especially in cases without an underlying cause, it is important to perform close follow-up for the possibility of rapid favorable resolution of the condition.
SN - 2785-5309
ER -