Massive Pulmonary Embolism in a Patient with Undiagnosed Homocystinuria

Abstract

Background: Homocystinuria is an autosomal recessively inherited defect of methionine catabolism. This rare condition causes abnormal accumulation of homocysteine in the blood and urine that is not typically found in significant quantities. While elevated homocysteine levels can cause damage to multiple organ systems, they most often affect the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, ocular, and central nervous systems. Nearly 20% of affected individuals who are untreated die from thrombotic complications before the age of 30.