Recurrent Intestinal Perforation Associated with Thrombosis of Inferior Vena Cava: Uncommon Presentation of Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Excerpt

To the Editor:

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by a state of hypercoagulability potentially resulting in thrombosis of all segments of the vascular bed^1,2, fetal loss, and moderate thrombocytopenia^3,4. APS is associated with elevated titers of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and/or lupus anticoagulant (LAC)^5,6. Gastrointestinal manifestations are rarely observed (about 1.5% of patients) and intestinal infarction, resulting from mesenteric vessel thrombosis, has been infrequently reported³. The presentation may be acute (acute abdomen), often preceded by intestinal angina¹. Rarely, thrombosis of large vessels (aorta and inferior vena cava) has also been reported in association with aPL⁷. We describe a case of recurrent ...