A Case of Internal Carotid Artery Thrombosis associated with Thalidomide Administration in Multiple Myeloma
  • Maria Angela Grima
    Department of Health, Mater Dei Hospital, Triq Dun Karm, L-Imsida
  • David James Camilleri
    Department of Health, Mater Dei Hospital, Triq Dun Karm, L-Imsida

Keywords

Multiple myeloma, thalidomide, arterial thrombosis, cerebrovascular accident.

Abstract

Thalidomide is an effective chemotherapeutic agent used to achieve remission in multiple myeloma. However, its administration is associated with several adverse effects including venous thromboembolism, while arterial thrombosis has also, although rarely, been described in the literature. We report a case of internal carotid artery occlusion within 1 week of starting thalidomide with prophylactic low molecular weight heparin in a patient who had no other prothrombotic risk factors. It is not known why this complication occurs despite the administration of anticoagulant prophylaxis. The role of factor VIII, von Willebrand factor antigen levels and fibrinogen in multiple myeloma patients should be studied in order to determine if these factors should be targeted in future prophylactic treatment.

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    Published: 2016-06-07
    Issue: Vol. 3 No. 4 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Grima MA, Camilleri DJ. A Case of Internal Carotid Artery Thrombosis associated with Thalidomide Administration in Multiple Myeloma. EJCRIM 2016;3 doi:10.12890/2016_000410.