AbstractPDF
Abstract
A 69-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with
persistent hiccups. Computed tomography and magnetic
resonance imaging of the brain were performed and revealed a glioblastoma multiforme localised in the right temporal lobe. After resection, the hiccups disappeared, suggesting that temporal areas are involved in control mechanisms of hiccups. A month later, the patient was readmitted because of skin, mucosal and soft tissue bleedings. Laboratory findings showed a prolonged aPTT, a low factor VIII activity and a factor VIII inhibitor, leading to the diagnosis of acquired haemophilia A. Acquired haemophilia A is a potentially life-threatening haemorrhagic disorder resulting from the presence of antibodies against factor VIII. We
believe that this disorder developed due to exposure of
factor VIII(-like) tumour antigens to the immune system.
This case illustrates two yet unknown complications of a
glioblastoma multiforme: persistent hiccups and acquired
haemophilia A.
