[Sneddon's syndrome and Willebrand's factor antigen].

An enzyme immunoassay examination of Willebrand factor antigen (WFA) was conducted in 36 patients with Sneddon's syndrome. The syndrome in 25 females and 11 males (mean age 40 years) was mainly characterized by ischemic cerebrovascular disorders in combination with advanced skin livedo. All the patients were not in an acute stroke phase. Increased WFA (above 2 IU/ml) occurred in 12 (33%) patients. Clinical manifestations, the condition severity, incidence of phospholipid antibodies, CIC levels in them were similar to those in patients with normal WFA values. The thrombotic trend in Sneddon's syndrome may result in some cases from structural endothelial damage responsible for WFA levels elevation, while under normal WFA content endothelial cell function may be affected.