Primary antiphospholipid syndrome, defined as the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies with recurrent thrombosis in patients who have no clinical or serologic features of systemic lupus erythematosus, is now a medically recognizable and treatable disorder. 1 The syndrome is associated with a high incidence of recurrent arterial and venous occlusions, with cerebrovascular thrombi occurring se...

In a 2-year prospective study of 146 patients with cerebral ischemia, we compared vascular risk factors for stroke with clinical and laboratory findings, particularly antiphospholipid antibodies. Ten patients (6.8%) were positive for at least one antiphospholipid antibody; one patient had systemic lupus erythematosus, one had rheumatoid arthritis, and the remaining eight fulfilled criteria for ...

Antiphospholipid antibodies including anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulants, and anti– 2 glycoprotein-1– specific antibodies may identify patients at elevated risk of first or recurrent venous or arterial thromboembolism. Traditionally, published case series supplemented by anecdotal experience have formed the basis of management of patients with these autoantibodies. Over the past s...

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombophilia, characterized by the presence of plasma antibodies against phospholipids, associated with recurrent episodes of venous and/or arterial thrombosis and gestational morbidity (especially recurrent miscarriage). We report the case of a young female patient diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with the presen...

Anetoderma is a rare elastolytic disorder characterized by circumscribed areas of flaccid skin due to the loss of elastic tissue in the dermis. Primary anetoderma is frequently observed in patients with autoimmune diseases or abnormalities especially with antiphospholipid antibodies with or without antiphospholipid syndrome. In this case report we discuss a patient with primary anetoderma with ...

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired thombophilia, which is characterized by one or more thrombotic episodes and obstetric complications in the presence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies (Abs). aPL Abs are detected by laboratory tests such as lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti2-glycoprotein I ( 2GPI) Abs. This article reviews the most current pathophysiolo...

Antiphospholipid antibodies, that is, lupus anticoagulants and anticardiolipin antibodies, are associated with thrombosis and obstetric complications in the antiphospholipid syndrome. Venous thrombosis occurs mostly in the lower limbs, with or without pulmonary embolism, and cerebral ischemia and transient ischemic attacks are the most common arterial events. Overall, the prevalence of thrombos...