Arterial thrombosis and thalidomide

• DOI: 10.1007/s11239-007-0057-1
• Publication Date: 2007-05-18T21:09:05Z
• Authors: Mustafa Goz; M. Nesimi Eren; Omer Cakir
• Keywords: Hematology; Etiology

Arterial emboli are largely a reflection of cardiac disease. Thalidomide is an antiangiogenic drug used in cancer therapy. Venous thrombosis incidence increased during treatment with thalidomide. We reported arterial thrombosis in two cases with multiple myeloma implemented in thalidomide treatment. Standard emergency intervention was applied. In the postoperative period, enoxiparine was given to all the patients. Warfarin treatment was started in the level of INR 2-2,5. ASA with a dose of 100 mg/day was added to the treatment. In conclusion, this side effect of the use of thalidomide should be taken into consideration while doing examinations with respect to the etiology in arterial thromboembolism and because of this vascular complication that threatens life; we suggest stopping the thalidomide treatment.