Factor XI Deficiency

Differential Diagnosis

An individual who presents with a history of abnormal bleeding may have an inherited or an acquired bleeding disorder. Inherited disorders may include a coagulation factor deficiency, von Willebrand disease, a platelet disorder (either number and/or function), or a vascular disorder. Acquired disorders include conditions such as immune thrombocytopenia, liver disease, or platelet dysfunction due to medication usage. Acquired disorders are more common than inherited disorders, coagulation factor deficiency or von Willebrand disease.

A family history may help to differentiate among these possibilities, but laboratory testing is the only secure method to differentiate between many bleeding symptoms that are not specific to a single disorder.

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