Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most common hereditary
coagulation abnormality described in humans, although it can also be acquired as a result of other medical conditions. It arises from a qualitative or quantitative deficiency of
von Willebrand factor (vWF), a
multimeric protein that is required for
platelet adhesion. It is known to affect humans and dogs (notably
Doberman Pinschers), and rarely swine, cattle, horses, and cats. There are three forms of vWD: hereditary, acquired, and pseudo or platelet type. There are three types of
hereditary vWD: vWD type 1, vWD type 2, and vWD type 3. Within the three inherited types of vWD there are various subtypes. Platelet type vWD is also an inherited condition.