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Question and answer regarding a patient who became acutely thrombocytopenic.Includes bibliographical reference

How I do it: resection of spinal cord cavernous malformation

Background Spinal cord cavernous malformations (CMs) account for 5 to 12% of all spinal vascular malformations. Surgical removal is indicated in symptomatic patients, especially if the CM comes close to the dorsal or lateral surface of the spinal cord. Spinal cord CMs pose critical challenges for the potential of severe disabling complications. Method We described the step-by-step surgical principles of spinal cord CM microsurgical resection. The main surgical steps are also illustrated in an accompanying operative video. Conclusion Pre-surgical planning of the basic steps and good contingency management skills are paramount for an effective and safe spinal cord CM excision

A perfect storm : polycystic ovary syndrome masking underlying yype 1 Von Willebrand disease

Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding diathesis worldwide and results in defects in von Willebrand Factor (vWF), inducing a hypocoagulable state. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by chronic inflammation and hyperestrogenism, both of which induce acute phase reactions and increase serum levels of vWF and Factor VIII, yielding a prothrombotic state. These laboratory elevations may obscure the diagnosis of underlying vWD in patients with both conditions. We report a case of a 23 year-old female with PCOS and menorrhagia who presented prior to a surgical procedure for evaluation of bleeding risk