Acquired Von Willebrand Syndrome

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is a bleeding disorder that can occur due to a variety of conditions, but is not caused by a VWF gene mutation. It is most often seen in persons over age 40 years with no prior bleeding history. This condition may result from lymphoproliferative disorders, autoimmune disorders (including systemic lupus erythrematosus, scleroderma, and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome), heart conditions such as aortic valvular stenosis, increased blood platelet count such as essential thrombocythemia, and certain drugs. About 300 cases of this condition have been reported in the medical literature thus far. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition.