Arterial thromboembolic events in patients with the factor V Leiden mutation

BACKGROUND: The factor V Leiden mutation affects 6% of the United States population and is known to be associated with venous thrombosis. We identify, herein, 30 individuals with the Leiden mutation and known arterial thromboembolic events. METHODS: The factor V mutation was assessed using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In the 16 patients sustaining a cerebrovascular accident, the mean age was 44.1 and 11 (69%) were younger than 50. Similarly, the 13 patients presenting with an acute myocardial infarction were relatively young with a mean age of 45.5, and 9 (65%) patients presented at less than 50 years of age. Radiographic information was available for 19 patients in this study. No significant arterial atherosclerotic disease was demonstrated in 18 (95%) of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates an association between the factor V Leiden mutation and the development of unexplained arterial thromboembolic events, especially in younger patients without existing atherosclerotic disease. Am J Surg. 1998;176:122-125. (C) 1998 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.