Homocysteine, an intermediate amino acid, is involved in methionine metabolism, which is crucial for various physiological pathways, including protein synthesis and DNA methylation. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been implicated as both a modifiable and unmodifiable risk factor in cardiovascular disease, influencing atherosclerotic disease formation and hypercoagulability. Mechanisms linking elevated homocysteine levels to vascular occlusion involve endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and enhanced thrombotic potential. We present the case of a 54-year-old female with hyperhomocysteinemia-induced hypercoagulability causing acute limb ischemia, necessitating below-knee amputation.
Keywords: atherosclerosis; cardiovascular disease; endothelial dysfunction; homocysteine; homocysteinemia; vascular occlusion.
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