What is acquired von Willebrand disease?

Acquired von Willebrand disease is a rare bleeding disorder that might be caused by other medical problems or medicines. It prevents blood from clotting properly. It is rarer than the inherited form of von Willebrand disease.

What causes it?

Medical problems that might cause acquired von Willebrand disease include:

• Lymph disorders, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Plasma disorders, such as multiple myeloma.
• Bone marrow disorders, such as polycythemia vera.
• Solid tumors, such as Wilms' tumor (a fast-growing kidney tumor) and lung cancer.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Heart problems, such as aortic valve stenosis.
• Use of a cardiac device that helps the heart pump blood, called a ventricular assist device.

Rarely, acquired von Willebrand disease may also develop in direct association with use of certain medicines. When use is discontinued, signs of the disease also end. These medicines include:

• Ciprofloxacin.
• Griseofulvin.
• Valproic acid.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include nosebleeds or other unexplained bleeding with no previous history of bleeding abnormalities.

How is acquired von Willebrand disease treated?

Treatment of acquired von Willebrand disease includes medicines that help your body have enough von Willebrand clotting factor in the blood. This von Willebrand factor helps your blood clot. Your doctor will also treat the underlying cause of acquired von Willebrand disease if possible.