Hyperfibrinogenemia in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Coexistent and Independent Risk Factor (A Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature)

Abstract

These case reports aim to show that hyperfibrinogenemia is a risk factor for the progression and prognosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), in patients with and without diabetes mellitus type 2. We present a patient with PAD who has type 2 diabetes mellitus, who has previously been repeatedly treated for lower limb ischemia with multiple vascular surgeries performed. A few weeks before admission the patient developed critical lower limb ischemia, which was treated with an iliaco-popliteal and femorofemoral bypass. The patient had elevated serum fibrinogen values. In the current admission, renewed left limb ischemia was diagnosed, and surgically evaluated with a recommendation for amputation of the left limb as a surgical recommendation. Our second patient had a stable intermittent claudication, dyslipidemia and hyperfibrinogenemia. He was successfully treated for those risk factors. Regular monitoring of the patient showed improved claudication distance and quality of life Our case reports, supported by a literature review, demonstrate that hyperfibrinogenemia is a possible risk factor for progression and the prognosis of PAD.