Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome at a young male

by, Dr. Eneida HOXHA, Dr. shk. Elvana RISTA, Dr. Somida KUKA, Dr. shk. Ledio ÇOLLAKU, Dr. Jona MUSABELLIU, Dr. Ilir GJERMENI, Prof. Dr. Margarita GJATA

Abstract

Background: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by recurring venous and/or arterial thrombosis and the presence of circulating antiphospholipid antibodies. APS occurs as a primary condition or secondary to other autoimmune disorders, mainly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The diagnosis of APS is made on the basis of suggestive clinical findings and the presence of one or more of the following antiphospholipid antibodies (LAC, aCL antibody or aβ2GPI antibody present on two or more occasions, at least 12 weeks a part). A clinically significant aPL profile has been detected in approximately 30 % of patients with SLE. Case presentation: We are presenting a rare case of a 23 years old male with complaints of dyspnea, retrosternal discomfort, fatigue, general weakness, joint pain over a period of 3 months. The patient reported a single syncopal episode, 3 months prior to admission as his first clinical manifestation. He was at first diagnosed with Thrombocytopenia in 2007 and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in 2020. During his hospitalization, the patient experienced recurrent headaches, dizziness and episodes of elevated blood pressure (170/100 mmHg), as well. Moreover, laboratory and imaging examinations showed bilateral pulmonary thromboembolism and positive Anticardiolipin antibodies, positive ANA, positive SSA & SSB. Conclusion: Given the lack of typical clinical findings in the early stages of the disease, establishing a diagnosis of APS can be challenging. Although APS is one of the most common thrombocytopenias, unfortunately, it remains underdiagnosed. Clinicians should investigate for the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, as early diagnosis may influence the course of the disease.

How to cite: Hoxha, E., Rista, E., Kuka, S., Çollaku, L., Musabelliu, J., Gjermeni, I., & Gjata, M. (2022). Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome at a young male. Medicus, 6(1), 19–28.

https://doi.org/10.58944/iyyl9934