Arterial Manifestations in Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Abstract

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is classically characterized as venous or arterial thrombosis, recurrent fetal loss and/or thrombocytopenia in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin IgM and IgG, lupus anticoagulant and/or anti β2 glycoprotein I IgM and IgG). In spite of deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs being the most common non-obstetric clinical manifestation, there is a clear but less frequent association of APS with the arterial system. This involvement may manifest itself through peripheral arterial disease, acute arterial occlusion and early atherosclerosis. The objective of this review is to clarify some aspects of diagnosis, prevention and treatment that may aid in the clinical management of these patients.