[Double filtration plasmapheresis in the treatment of vascular complications of hyperlipidemia].

Double-filtration plasmapheresis is a therapeutic procedure for the extracorporeal depuration of atherogenic lipoproteins, which does not require the administration to the patient of exogenous fluids. We have used it in two patients affected by hyperlipidemia with severe cardiovascular complications. Both patients presented a dramatic improvement of their symptoms (angina pectoris and claudicatio intermittens) shortly after the beginning of treatment. By the brisk reduction of circulating low-density lipoproteins, plasma-filtration may favor the removal of cholesterol from atheromatous plaques of vessel walls. Furthermore, this procedure may modify platelet aggregation and blood viscosity. Our observation suggests that plasma-filtration may be useful not only for delaying coronary heart disease in the rare cases of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, but also in the management of patients with other primary hyperlipoproteinemias and clinical manifestations of already established cardiovascular complications.