A case of von Willebrand's disease was reported. The patient, 20-year-old female, was pointed out the prolongation of bleeding time in the pre-operative examination for tonsillectomy. She was admitted to Tokushima University Hospital for detailed examination of the bleeding tendency.
There was nothing in a personal or family history to suggest a bleeding symptom. Hematological examinations were within normal limits except slight disturbance of megakaryocyte maturation In coagulation tests, whole blood clotting time, platelet count and clot retraction showed normal values, however capillary resistance, prothrombin consumption, platelet adhesiveness or aggregation, plasma or platelet factor in T.S.T. were decreased. Factor VIII activity revealed 25% of normal, which increased to more than expected value after a transfusion of normal fresh blood.
Administration of adrenochrome resulted the shortening of bleeding time and disappearance of purpura.
Coagulation tests were also done in her mother and brother. and the genetic basis of this disease could be suggested.
Aspirin tolerance test in this disease, described by Quick, was discussed.
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