Article
Acquired hemophilia A as a rare cause of nontraumatic compartment syndrome and hematoma formation
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Published: | February 6, 2020 |
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Objectives/Interrogation: Acquired factor VIII inhibitor (hemophilia A) is a very rare, often idiopathic disease that can lead to diffuse bleeding, with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. We present two patients with first-time diagnosed acquired hemophilia A who were treated at our clinic within 2 months.
Methods: The first patient was an 83-year-old woman who presented with atraumatic compartment syndrome of the right hand which required fasciotomy. The compartment syndrome was due to spontaneous bleeding. Only after several revision surgeries and a complicated course, the resulting defects could be closed by secondary sutures and skin grafting.
The second patient was an 85-year-old man who was admitted with multiple hematomas on both upper extremities, which were treated nonoperatively. The two patients received interdisciplinary care, involving early initiation of clotting factor replacement and immunosuppressive therapy, which were necessary to control the bleeding.
Results and Conclusions: Acquired hemophilia A must be considered as a very rare but important life-threating differential diagnosis in multiple hematomas, especially in atraumatic compartment syndrome.
Early diagnosis with immediate start of replacement therapy to correct coagulation and initialization of immunosuppressive therapy are crucial for successful treatment.