Recurrent pulmonary embolism in a boy with antiphospholipid syndrome

Abstract

We report a 14-year-old patient with recurrent pulmonary embolism due to catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with severe pulmonary inflammation. We considered elevated antibodies against cardiolipin and anti-beta2-glycoprotein-1, but no clinical nor laboratory manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Pulmonary embolism had been the first manifestation of catastrophic APS in this patient. We prescribed warfarin and systemic corticosteroids. A second embolism appeared during anticoagulation with warfarin. This event led to a marked decrease of his physical performance due to his obstructive and restrictive lung disease. Anticoagulation was changed from enteral warfarin to subcutaneous enoxaparine. We also prescribed inhaled corticosteroid which led to an improvement of his respiratory symptoms and overall poor physical condition.

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Müller, C. , Willaschek, C. , Borst, M. and Buchhorn, R. (2013) Recurrent pulmonary embolism in a boy with antiphospholipid syndrome. Case Reports in Clinical Medicine, 2, 310-314. doi: 10.4236/crcm.2013.25083.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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