[Venous thrombosis of the lower limbs and pulmonary embolism after desmopressin: a coincidence or a pathogenetic role?].

The authors describe a case of venous thrombosis of the legs, complicated by pulmonary embolism, in a 71 year-old man, following desmopressin therapy for hypothalamic diabetes insipidus. They suggest a role of desmopressin in stimulating the release of Von Willebrand's factor (VWF) from endothelial cells. VWF facilitates platelet adhesion by forming a bridge between platelet membrane and vascular subendothelium, followed by development of a large thrombus.