Cutaneous manifestations in antiphospholipid syndrome

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2015 Jun;28(2):270-3. doi: 10.1177/0394632015582344. Epub 2015 Apr 15.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a hypercoagulable state that leads to thrombosis and recurrent pregnancy loss related to the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (LAC, anticardiolipin, antiA2-glycoprotein). Among cutaneous manifestations, livedo reticularis is the most frequent form of APS. In the literature, there are rare cases associated with diffuse skin necrosis (widespread skin necrosis) and intravascular thrombosis in the small vessels of the dermis. We describe the case of a 44-year-old man with positive anticardiolipin antibodies and protein S deficiency that developed scattered, bullous skin lesions, haemorrhagic in appearance with signs of necrosis as first clinical manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome.

Keywords: antiphosholipid syndrome; intravascular thrombosis; necrosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Anticardiolipin / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Anticardiolipin / metabolism
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / metabolism
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Necrosis / etiology
  • Necrosis / metabolism
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Diseases / etiology*
  • Skin Diseases / metabolism
  • Thrombosis / etiology
  • Thrombosis / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anticardiolipin
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid