Thrombosis Awareness Library

CAPS, also known as Asherson’s Syndrome, represents less than 1% of all APS cases but is widely recognized as its most severe clinical manifestation, with a mortality rate of 30–50% despite treatment. mortality rate of 30–50% despite treatment. Unlike classical APS, which usually involves isolated thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity, this form is characterized by rapidly progressive, simultaneous or...

PTS is a chronic consequence of DVT, happening despite appropriate acute management. It affects 20% to 50% of patients within 2 years of DVT diagnosis, with severe forms in 5–10%. The condition usually involves the same limb affected by the original thrombosis, and symptoms may emerge shortly after the acute event or be delayed by months or even years. Werfen is committed to Powering Patient Care...

Intracardiac thrombi form within the atria or ventricles of the heart and pose a substantial threat due to their potential to obstruct blood flow or embolize to distant organs. While less prevalent than venous thromboembolism, ICT remains a high‑risk cardiovascular emergency, with mortality rates that may reach or exceed 30–80%, depending on the patient’s clinical status and the location of the th...

Surgical procedures create a uniquely pro‑thrombotic environment. Virchow’s triad—venous stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability—describes the foundation of thrombus formation, and all three elements are markedly amplified during and after surgery. Together, these factors significantly raise the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can progress into life‑threatening pulm...

The classic Philadelphia-negative MPNs, which include Polycythemia Vera (PV), Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), and Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF), are myeloproliferative disorders all characterized by clonal expansion of an abnormal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell. This leads to excessive production of mature myeloid elements, such as an overabundance of red blood cells in PV or a marked increase i...

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation is a life-threatening intravascular disorder characterized by endothelial injury, systemic activation of coagulation, and dysregulated fibrinolysis, leading to microvascular thrombosis and consumption of platelets and clotting factors.  Importantly, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation is not a primary disease but a complication of underlying conditions suc...

Thrombosis, Cardiovascular Risks, and Raynaud’s Phenomenon This episode centers on cold-induced vasoconstriction, a natural response where blood vessels constrict to preserve body heat. While this mechanism is protective, it can significantly raise the risk of thrombosis and vascular disorders, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.  Winter is a critical period for vascular health...

In this episode, we highlight Splanchnic Venous Thrombosis, a rare but significant subset of venous thromboembolism characterized by clot formation in the veins draining abdominal organs.  Splanchnic Venous Thrombosis represents a heterogeneous group of disorders affecting the portal, mesenteric, splenic, and hepatic veins. While commonly linked to liver cirrhosis and malignancy, Splanchnic Venous...

Although the likelihood of developing thrombosis on flights exceeding four hours is relatively low—about 1 in 6,000—certain factors such as age, obesity, or recent surgery can increase susceptibility. Fortunately, these 10 practical tips can help minimize the risk while traveling. Listen for more information Werfen is committed to Powering Patient Care and raising global awareness of thrombosis to...

This issue focuses on thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs)—a group of rare but life-threatening hematologic disorders. TMAs disrupt normal Hemostasis and often present with thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), and organ dysfunction. Among these conditions, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is one of the most studied and clinically significant subtypes due to its acute...

In this new episode, we focus on Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT), a rare yet serious condition involving blood clot formation in the brain’s venous system. Unlike arterial strokes, which involve arterial occlusion, CVT impacts the cerebral venous outflow, including dural sinuses and cortical veins. This condition accounts for 0.5-3% of all strokes and is more prevalent in younger adults, particul...

This episode explores the relationship between two complex medical conditions—Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)—which often present similar symptoms, making accurate diagnosis particularly difficult. PE and COPD are two critical respiratory conditions that frequently coexist, complicating diagnosis and treatment. PE involves the obstruction of pulmonary arter...

This issue focuses on Obstetric APS (OAPS), an APS variant affecting pregnancy at various stages and increasingly recognized as separate from its thrombotic counterpart. Antiphospholipid Syndrome is a rare disease, more frequently diagnosed in women than in men. In the United States, the estimated annual prevalence of OAPS is around 4 cases per 100,000 individuals, with rates rising to 13 per 100,...

This episode focuses on Catheter-Related Thrombosis (CRT), a condition accounting for most upper extremity DVTs and approximately 10% of all VTEs. However, with the increasing use of peripherally inserted central catheters, the incidence of CRT is expected to rise further. Central venous catheters (CVCs) are indispensable in modern medicine, especially for patients needing long-term intravenous th...

This episode focuses on Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), a complex condition affecting about 2% of the population, predominantly women of childbearing age. APS is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent thrombotic events in arteries, veins, or small vessels and/or spontaneous early miscarriages with maternal morbidity, caused by persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The pr...

In this episode, we focus on May-Thurner Syndrome, a relatively underdiagnosed condition that typically affects adults aged 20 to 50. Bringing attention to this syndrome is crucial, as DVT is often mistakenly seen as primarily affecting the elderly. May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS), also known as iliac vein compression syndrome or Cockett's syndrome, occurs when the right iliac artery compresses the lef...

In this episode, we explore upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT), a less common type of thrombosis characterized by blood clots forming in the deep veins of the arms, shoulders, or neck. Despite being less prevalent than lower extremity DVT, UEDVT presents notable health risks and warrants significant attention. Etiology and Epidemiology UEDVT can arise from various factors. A common cause...

VTE is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Often asymptomatic, misdiagnosed, and unrecognized at death, VTE poses a significant challenge for HCPs due to its insidiousness. Identifying and Managing Risk Factors Key VTE risk factors include immobility, surgery, specific medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and family hist...

“Thrombophilia”, from the Greek words “trombo” (blood clot) and “philia” (affinity), indicates an increased tendency to form pathological intravascular thrombosis, which may develop spontaneously or at a young age. Screening is typically limited to high-risk individuals rather than the general population. In the early 1980s, both Protein C and Protein S deficiencies were identified in the United S...

The history of thrombosis is intertwined with the evolution of medicine, which was once closely linked to philosophy.   Aristotle made significant observations on blood coagulation, attributing it to the presence of fibrous material in the blood. Galen, a prominent Roman physician whose theories influenced Western medicine for over a millennium, was the first to introduce the term “thrombosis”, de...

Thrombosis: A Silent Killer Thrombosis, the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, is a serious health condition that often goes unnoticed until it's too late. This silent killer can lead to devastating complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms.  Werfen is committed to Powering Patient Care and raising global awareness of thrombosis to enhance patient outco...