Semin Thromb Hemost 2009; 35(7): 597-604
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1242713
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Unsuspected Triggers of Venous Thromboembolism—Trivial or Not So Trivial?

Giuseppe Lippi1 , Massimo Franchini2 , Emmanuel J. Favaloro3
  • 1U.O. Diagnostica Ematochimica, Dipartimento di Patologia e Medicina di Laboratorio, Azienda Ospadaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
  • 2Servizio di Immunoematologia e Trasfusione, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Italy
  • 3Department of Haematology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
09 December 2009 (online)

ABSTRACT

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be considered a multifactorial disorder involving a variety of inherited and acquired prothrombotic conditions and events. Although greater emphasis has classically been given to traditional thrombophilic risk factors, there is increasing recognition of less typical precipitating conditions and events. Indeed, the list of plausible but unusual triggers of thrombosis includes sneezing and coughing attacks, eating, migraine, sexual intercourse, strenuous physical exercise, drug abuse, and defecation. Although it is difficult to assert conclusively the true contribution of such events to the etiology of acute episodes of venous thrombosis, it seems reasonable to conclude that the concomitant presence of such trivial elements with one or more additional risk factors for VTE might precipitate an acute thrombotic episode.

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Giuseppe LippiM.D. 

U.O. Diagnostica Ematochimica, Dipartimento di Patologia e Medicina di Laboratorio, Azienda Ospadaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Strada Abbeveratoia

2, 43100 Parma, Italy

Email: giuseppe.lippi@univr.it

Email: ulippi@tin.it