Severe Hypertriglyceridemia With Lipemia-Induced Analytical Interference: Diagnostic Challenges in a Chylomicronemia Phenotype
Abstract
Background: Severe hypertriglyceridemia can cause significant metabolic complications and spurious laboratory results, complicating clinical decision-making. Chylomicronemia syndromes, particularly multifactorial forms, are underrecognized, and may present with both pancreatitis and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Case summary: A 51-year-old man with diabetes and hypertension presented with chest pain and recent hypertriglyceridemia-induced normoenzymatic pancreatitis. Ischemic electrocardiographic changes prompted coronary angiography. Preprocedural testing showed a prothrombin time reported as "infinite" (no clot detected). Serum appeared grossly lipemic (triglycerides 4,038 mg/dL) with a creamy supernatant after centrifugation. Mixing study revealed normal coagulation parameters, confirming analytical interference rather than true coagulopathy. The combination of severe hypertriglyceridemia, relatively preserved apolipoprotein B, and multisystem manifestations favored a chylomicronemia phenotype (type IV-V spectrum). Coronary angiography confirmed obstructive disease, and following triglyceride-lowering therapies, successful percutaneous coronary angioplasty was performed.
Discussion: This case highlights the multisystem impact of severe hypertriglyceridemia and the importance of recognizing lipemia-related laboratory artifacts to avoid misdiagnosis and enable timely management.
Take-home messages: Severe hypertriglyceridemia reflects a spectrum of…
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