Secondary Anti-phospholipid Antibody Syndrome Due to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report with Superior Mesenteric Artery Involvement

Abstract

Anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS); is a disease characterized by anti-phospholipid protein antibody positivity as well as recurrent vascular thrombosis and/or pregnancy loss. In primary type, underlying disease is not detected. It is classified as secondary type in the presence of another underlying rheumatological disease. Secondary APS, most commonly develops due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)1. We present a case of ischemic colitis due to superior mesenteric artery involvement in APS. 59-year-old female patient diagnosed with SLE had sudden-onset hematochezia and acute abdomen. Therefore, the patient underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CT angiography). Thrombosis was detected in the superior mesenteric artery. The patient with positive APS antibody responded to immunosuppressive therapy. This case was interesting in terms of different vascular involvement and treatment strategy in the gastrointestinal tract due to APS.