Acute lower limb ischemia due to thrombo-embolic arterial occlusions in two previously healthy men with markedly elevated Lp(a)

Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) is a well-documented risk factor for
atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Its role in acute
thrombo-embolic occlusions of peripheral arteries is not known. We
describe two cases of multiple, acute, peripheral arterial
occlusions in two previously healthy men with markedly elevated
Lp(a). Both cases had unsatisfactory results after percutaneous and
surgical revascularization procedures. Experience yielded in these
two cases suggests that when an unfavorable outcome occurs in a
peripheral artery disease patient in the absence of the regular
risk factors, Lp(a) should be determined and its role investigated.