Case report: Life-saving pulmonary endarterectomy for a young female with primary antiphospholipid syndrome complicated by severe chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Abstract Background: Prothrombotic state and impaired clot dissolution can contribute to the occurrence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Pulmonary endarterectomy - the surgical removal of the organized thromboembolic material from the proximal pulmonary arteries - is the procedure of choice and potentially a curative option for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, including patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. We report an exceptionally severe and complicated case with favourable outcome. Case presentation: We present a case of a successful high risk pulmonary endarterectomy in a 29-year-old female with primary antiphospholipid syndrome and end-stage chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Despite highly complicated perioperative course an impressive improvement in symptoms and functional status was achieved. Conclusion: We hope that this complicated but successfully managed case of a combination of two rare diseases will arouse earlier suspicion and timely diagnosis for such patients and will encourage physicians to promptly refer the suitable patients to a pulmonary endarterectomy team. It is important to remember that severe thrombocytopenia may occur in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome