Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome presenting as a refractory noninflammatory pulmonary vasculopathy.

Abstract

The clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLAS) are protean. Pulmonary manifestations are often thromboembolic in origin; ARDS and pulmonary hypertension have been reported as features of a widespread vasculopathy associated with systemic lupus or Sjögren's syndrome. This is the report of a woman with primary APLAS who died of a noninflammatory pulmonary vasculopathy. The case is unusual in its pulmonary manifestations, its initial response to corticosteroids and antithrombotic medications, its failure to stabilize with high-intensity warfarin sodium and aspirin treatment, and finally its fulminant progression despite multiple interventions.