Venous thromboembolism caused by testosterone abuse in a young man with previously undiagnosed genetic thrombophilia

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a multifactorial disease; age, a prior history of deep vein thrombosis, cancer, surgery, obesity, prolonged immobility, pregnancy, oral contraceptive agents, thrombophilia, have been identified as major risk factors. Thrombophilia is a heritable or acquired prothrombotic state that increases the tendency to venous thromboembolism. The use of anabolic steroids is strongly linked to venous thromboembolism, due to their role in thrombus formation. We present a case of a venous thromboembolism in a 26-year old male who had undergone a testosterone abuse and had a previously undiagnosed genetic thrombophilia, with discussion upon literature regarding the heritable thrombophilia and prothrombotic effects of testosterone.