Acquired isolated factor VII deficiency in a patient with myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma, case report

Abstract

Introduction: Acquired factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare condition with various causes, including acquired inhibitors to FVII, liver disease, and malignancies. Myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma is a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue sarcoma that can cause a range of clinical manifestations, including bleeding and clotting disorders.

Patient concerns and diagnosis: We present a case report of a 21-year-old man with severe acquired FVII deficiency due to mediastinal myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma. The patient presented with elevated International normalized ratio (INR) and a severe reduction in FVII coagulant activity, unresponsive to conventional therapy. While an acquired inhibitor to FVII was initially suspected, negative results from laboratory testing, including protein G sepharose adsorption and a Bethesda assay using Immunoglobulin G purified from patient plasma, made the diagnosis of an acquired inhibitor to FVII uncertain.

Interventions and outcome: The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor, supported by recombinant FVII infusion, leading to the normalization of coagulation parameters. However, a relapse of the disease was detected 6 months later when he was noted to have a decline in FVII levels.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering rare causes of bleeding and clotting disorders, particularly in unresponsive or atypical presentations. It also underscores the need for close monitoring and follow-up in patients with acquired FVII deficiency, even after successful treatment.