The coagulation system.
Congenital and acquired hypercoagulable states arise from an imbalance between procoagulant and anticoagulant activity. Although these imbalances are present throughout the entire vascular tree, thrombotic lesions are usually localized in discrete segments of the veins or arteries and in certain organ systems. Thus, hypercoagulable states are likely to be associated with focal defects in the vascular wall to produce thrombosis. Many recently described factors are associated with hypercoagulability. Because thrombosis is a disease in which genetic and acquired risk factors interact dynamically, a thorough history, family history, and physical examination should be performed before ordering an extensive and costly coagulation panel.
Biousse
Valérie
V
Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. vbiouss@emory.edu
D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests / Q000379:methods; D001791:Blood Platelet Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors