Risk of venous thromboembolism in autoimmune diseases: A comprehensive review
Danilo Menichelli, Vito Maria Cormaci, Silvia Marucci, Giovanni Franchino, Francesco Del Sole, Alessandro Capozza, Alessia Fallarino, Emanuele Valeriani, Francesco Violi, Pasquale Pignatelli, Daniele Pastori
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases have specific pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to an increased risk of arterial and venous thrombosis. The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) varies according to the type and stage of the disease, and to concomitant treatments. In this review, we revise the most common autoimmune disease such as antiphospholipid syndrome, inflammatory myositis, polymyositis and dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, Sjogren syndrome, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, vasculitis and inflammatory bowel disease. We also provide an overview of pathophysiology responsible for the risk of VTE in each autoimmune disorder, and report current indications to anticoagulant treatment for primary and secondary prevention of VTE.