[Acquired hemophilia A revealing lung cancer]

Abstract

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare disease, defined by the production of anti-factor VIII antibodies causing disordered hemostasis. It is idiopathic in 50% of cases, but sometimes associated with solid tumors. We report a case where AHA led to the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Case report: An 82-year-old man with spontaneous hematomas on his trunk and extremities, and isolated prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time was admitted to the emergency room. A severely reduced factor VIII level and a high factor VIII inhibitor title confirmed the diagnosis of AHA. Thoracic computed tomography scan found a suspect lung nodule and biopsy was consistent with a primary lung adenocarcinoma. The patient received recombinant factor VIII, immunosuppressive therapies, and finally lung stereotactic radiotherapy. Thirty months after diagnosis, the patient is in complete remission both from AHA and from his lung cancer.

Conclusions: Acquired hemophilia A is a rare but potentially severe disease, which may be idiopathic or linked to a solid tumor. The severity of AHA depends on both the volume of hemorrhage and the presence of associated diseases.

Keywords: Acquired hemophilia A; Auto-immunité; Autoimmunity; Cancer du poumon; Hemorrhage; Hémophilie A acquise; Hémorragie; Lung cancer; Paraneoplastic syndrome; Syndrome paranéoplasique.