Coagulation Disorders: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Coagulation Disorders: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

A 30-year-old man presents to the emergency department due to prolonged bleeding after a minor cut on his hand that occurred three hours ago. He reports frequent nosebleeds and easy bruising since childhood. His mother and sister have similar bleeding tendencies. On examination, there is oozing blood from the cut, but no other abnormalities are noted. Blood pressure is 125/80 mm Hg, and pulse is 78/min. Laboratory results are as follows:

Complete blood count:

  • Hemoglobin: 12.0 g/dL (13.5-17.5 g/dL)
  • Mean corpuscular volume: 84 µm³ (80-100 µm³)
  • Platelets: 180,000/mm³ (150,000-450,000/mm³)

Coagulation studies:

  • PT: 12 sec (11-15 sec)
  • INR: 1 (0.8-1.2)
  • Activated PTT: 48 sec (25-35 sec)

Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's bleeding problem?

A. Hemophilia A
B. Vitamin K deficiency
C. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
D. Von Willebrand disease
E. Liver disease

Answer and topic summary

The answer is D. Von Willebrand disease

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most likely cause of this patient’s bleeding problem. It is a hereditary bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (vWF), which is essential for platelet adhesion and protecting factor VIII from degradation. Patients typically present with mucocutaneous bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, and prolonged bleeding from minor cuts. The prolonged activated PTT with normal PT and platelet count supports the diagnosis of vWD.

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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:

Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Hematology ⇒ Coagulation Disorders  ⇒ Clotting factor disorders

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