[Severe pulmonary embolism disclosing a deficiency in protein C].
A constitutional deficit in protein C is a rare disorder. Our report concerns a 35 year old non-smoking male, presenting with a past history of uncomplicated phlebitis of the lower limbs. In the course of a new episode of phlebitis, the patient presented with a severe pulmonary embolus treated by embolectomy under extracorporal circulation, with interruption of the inferior vena cava. The plasma level of protein C (Elisa technique) measured before treatment with antivitamin K was 40% (normal 70-140%). The absence of associated hepatic or haematological anomalies confirmed the constitutional character of the deficit. The immediate and subsequent progress turned out favourably on treatment with heparin, then anti-vitamin K.
Département de Pneumologie, Hôpital Albert-Calmette, Lille.
F
F
Fortin
B
B
Jude
C
C
Caron
D
D
Gosset
J
J
Soots
J J
JJ
Lafitte
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020151:Protein C Deficiency; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
Embolie pulmonaire grave révélatrice d'un déficit en protéine C.