Sticky platelets syndrome in a young patient with massive pulmonary embolism

PATIENT Female, 51. FINAL DIAGNOSIS Sticky platelets syndrome. SYMPTOMS Pulmonary embolism. MEDICATION - CLINICAL PROCEDURE Thrombolysis. SPECIALTY Hematology. OBJECTIVE Disease of unknown ethiology. BACKGROUND Sticky platelets syndrome (SPS) is an inherited thrombophilia characterized by platelet hyperaggregability, which can lead to the higher risk of thrombosis. The etiology of SPS remains unclear, but several gene polymorphisms have been recently studied and autosomal dominant heredity is suspected. Although SPS is traditionally connected with arterial thrombosis, several cases of SPS as a cause of venous thromboembolism have been described. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 51-year-old apparently healthy woman with massive pulmonary embolism, who required thrombolytic therapy. In this patient SPS was identified as the only condition leading to higher risk of developing thromboembolic disease. CONCLUSIONS Although at present few physicians have practical experience with SPS, this syndrome may lead to serious health problems or even death. The presented case points to the benefit of SPS diagnostics in standard screening of inherited thrombophilia for effective prophylaxis and treatment in patients with venous thromboembolism.