Coexistence of the antiphospholipid syndrome and abdominal aortic aneurysm

Isr Med Assoc J. 2008 Jan;10(1):48-51.

Abstract

The antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by recurrent fetal loss, venous and/or arterial thrombosis, and thrombocytopenia associated with elevated titers of lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies. Although thrombosis is the characteristic vascular involvement in APS, the development of vascular aneurysms in patients with APS has been reported. We describe four patients with established APS who developed abdominal aortic aneurysm, and review the literature on previous published cases of arterial aneurysms developing in patients with APS. In addition, we discuss the possible pathophysiological association between APS and the development of this vascular abnormality.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / complications*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / therapy
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Cardiolipins / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Cardiolipins
  • Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor