Asymptomatic Severe Acquired von Willebrand’s Syndrome in Association With a Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Case Report

Abstract

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a severe acquired von Willebrand's Syndrome (avWS) in association with a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). We report a case of a 70-year-old male who presented to the hospital with neurologic findings secondary to a thalamic mass and subsequent hydrocephalus but without any prior history of any bleeding diathesis. A biopsy and septum pellucidotomy was considered and coagulation parameters from pre-operative chemistry returned deranged. Further investigations for bleeding disorders have been performed and an avWS was diagnosed due to the low levels of factor VIII, vWF:Ag, and vWF:RiCoF. The patient responded to a single dose of IVIG and hence the contemplated procedure has been performed. Subsequently, a histopathologic diagnosis of a GBM was made and unfortunately no further treatment was pursued due to the patient's poor response to the initial surgical intervention.