Acquired disorder of thrombosis

Abstract

The UK incidence of venous thromboembolism is approximately 1–2 in 1000 per year, with most instances having no identifiable triggers. Usual acquired physiological conditions and other common pathological states can increase the baseline risk of thromboembolism. These include pregnancy, malignancy, drugs, autoimmune disease, obesity, smoking and infection. However, rare acquired causes should be appropriately and promptly investigated in the context of atypical presentations, thrombocytopenia, multiorgan failure and atypical sites of thrombosis. For acquired thrombotic disorders with a chronic course, continuing optimization of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors is important for long-term outcomes.