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A role for transoesophageal echocardiography in the early diagnosis of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome
Author(s) -
Zakynthinos E. G.,
Vassilakopoulos T.,
Kontogianni D. D.,
Roussos C.,
Zakynthinos S. G.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.625
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1365-2796
pISSN - 0954-6820
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2000.00762.x
Subject(s) - medicine , antiphospholipid syndrome , catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome , stroke (engine) , lupus anticoagulant , thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura , cardiology , myocardial infarction , hemiparesis , endocarditis , transesophageal echocardiogram , cerebral infarction , thrombosis , angiography , ischemia , mechanical engineering , platelet , engineering
Zakynthinos EG, Vassilakopoulos T, Kontogianni DD, Roussos C, Zakynthinos SG (Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Services, University of Athens Medical School, ‘Evangelismos’ Hospital, Athens, Greece). A role for transoesophageal echocardiography in the early diagnosis of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (Case Report). J Intern Med 2000; 248: 521–526. We describe a previously healthy 28‐year‐old woman who presented with the clinical picture of large vessel occlusions (stroke with left hemiparesis, myocardial infarction) and developed multi‐organ failure (i.e. kidneys, heart, brain, liver, blood, skin) over a very short period of time. Peripheral blood smear was consistent with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Transesophageal echocardiogram was supportive of the diagnosis of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS), revealing Libman–Sacks endocarditis. Blood cultures were negative, anticardiolipin antibodies were highly increased and lupus anticoagulant was positive. Cerebral and coronary angiograms were negative, suggesting possible microthrombotic occlusive disease in the setting of CAPS.