Which condition can lead to both arterial and venous clots?

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is known to be a condition that can lead to both arterial and venous thrombosis. This autoimmune disorder is characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies that increase the risk of thrombosis in various vascular beds. Patients with this syndrome can develop deep vein thrombi, pulmonary emboli, as well as arterial clots, which can result in conditions such as stroke or transient ischemic attacks.

The underlying mechanism involves the antibodies promoting a hypercoagulable state, which can affect various components of the coagulation cascade and impair the normal regulation of clot formation. This dual potential for both arterial and venous clots makes antiphospholipid antibody syndrome particularly significant in the context of thrombotic events.

Other conditions mentioned typically have a more narrow focus; for instance, Protein C deficiency, Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and Antithrombin III deficiency are primarily associated with venous thromboembolism rather than simultaneously contributing to arterial thrombotic events. This distinction highlights the unique risk profile associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.