Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome Hiding Inherited von Willebrand Disease Can Explain Severe Bleeding in Patients With Aortic Stenosis

Knee replacement surgery in a patient with acquired von Willebrand disease: a case study with recommendations for patient management

Introduction and importance

Acquired von Willebrand disease (AvWD) is a rare underdiagnosed bleeding disorder caused by alterations in the levels of the major blood-clotting protein von Willebrand factor (vWF). The clinical and laboratory parameters of AvWD are similar to congenital vWD, but it is found in individuals with no positive family history with no underlying genetic basis. The disease remains multifactorial and incompletely understood. Proposed mechanisms include the development of autoantibodies to vWF, absorption of high molecular weight vWF multimers that impair normal function, shear stress induced vWF cleavage and increased proteolysis.The aetiology of the disease is variable, the most common being hematoproliferation, lymophoproliferation, myeloproliferation and autoimmune and cardiovascular disorders. Consensus and protocols for AvWD patients that require major surgery are currently lacking. Patients with AvWD can experience thrombotic events during surgery as a result of therapeutic interactions with pro-thrombotic risk factors.

Case presentation

Here, the authors report a patient with AvWD requiring a knee prosthesis implantation due to chronic pain, limited range of motion and functional impairment. The patient had a high risk of bleeding during surgery and was at risk of thrombosis due to age and obesity.

Clinical discussion

Perioperative care required a collaborative approach and the management of bleeding. The patient was administered vWF concentrate Willfact lacking Factor VIII to prevent haemorrhage and to minimize the risk of thrombosis.

Conclusion

The treatment was effective and well-tolerated. The authors use this information to provide recommendations for AvWD patients for whom major surgery is indicated.

Acquired Von Willebrand Deficiency in Adults With Aortic Stenosis: A Systematic Review

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) deficiency is associated with bleeding complications. The congenital type of Von Willebrand disease(VWD) is a very well-known bleeding disorder and sometimes may be associated with life-threatening hemorrhage. This systematic review is aimed at gathering further knowledge regarding the pathology of an acquired VWD form within a population of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) by shortlisting quality articles on this theme, through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. High shear stress caused by the stenotic valve cleaves VWF multimers, causing a relative state of deficiency. The condition returns to baseline immediately following surgical replacement of the valve. Results across eight studies reviewed by a majority concluded that in an AS patient with bleeding, the most likely cause is an acquired deficiency of VWF, associated with factors influencing blood flow and caused by the in-situ valve. However, several studies suggested otherwise/were misclassifications. This review highlighted the relationship between AS and acquired VWF deficiency and should be foreseen as an adverse complication, attracting further research and future theragnostic strategies for this condition.

Heyde Syndrome-Pathophysiology and Perioperative Implications

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients with calcific aortic valve stenosis (AVS), termed Heyde syndrome, was first described by Edward C. Heyde. The strong association between valvular replacement and the eradication of clinically significant GI bleeding confirmed an underlying pathophysiologic relationship. The rheologic stress created by AVS increases proteolysis of von Willebrand factor (VWF), resulting in loss of predominantly high-molecular-weight VWF (Hmw VWF). Angiodysplastic vessels present in patients with AVS, coupled with the lack of functioning Hmw VWF, increase the risk for GI bleeds. Aortic valve replacement, both surgical and transcatheter-based, is often a definitive treatment for GI bleeding, leading to recovery of Hmw VWF multimers. Perioperative management of patients involves monitoring their coagulation profiles with relevant laboratory tests and instituting appropriate management. Management can be directed in the following two ways: by improving internal release of VWF or by administration of external therapeutics containing VWF. It is important for perioperative physicians to obtain an understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease process and closely monitor the bleeding pattern so that targeted therapies can be initiated.