Antiphospholipid syndrome presenting as intracardiac thrombus with pulmonary embolism

Circ J. 2005 Oct;69(10):1290-2. doi: 10.1253/circj.69.1290.

Abstract

The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies is associated with arterial and venous thrombosis. A young female with initial presentation of dyspnea and cough that lasted for days is reported. A computed tomographic scan of her chest and echocardiography showed features of thrombus formation over the right atrium, complicated with pulmonary thromboembolism. Antiphospholipid syndrome was diagnosed according to elevated activated partial thromboplastin time, high serum titers of anticardiolipin antibody, and the presence of intracardiac thrombus with pulmonary embolism. This thrombus was subsequently removed successfully with surgical intervention, and the patient's recovery was uneventful.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / surgery*
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / surgery
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / surgery*
  • Radiography