Elevated Anticardiolipin Antibodies Research Articles

Bilateral retinal hemorrhages after sequential endovascular treatment of bilateral unruptured cerebral aneurysms.

To report a case of bilateral retinal hemorrhages in a patient undergoing two separate endovascular interventions for bilateral cerebral aneurysms. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination was performed after the patient underwent each of two separate endovascular interventions for bilateral cerebral aneurysms. Multimodal imaging including widefield pseudocolor fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and widefield fluorescein angiography (FA) was obtained. A systemic workup including genetic testing and hypercoagulability studies was performed. Dilated fundus examination revealed new visually significant ipsilateral retinal hemorrhages after each endovascular procedure. FA showed evidence of a peripheral retinal microangiopathy present in both eyes before the patient underwent her second endovascular procedure. Systemic workup revealed persistently elevated serum anticardiolipin IgM antibody levels at >99th percentile. Retinal complications after endovascular intracranial interventions are uncommon. This patient who developed bilateral retinal complications was found to have persistently elevated anticardiolipin antibody levels, a risk factor for thrombosis. Patients who develop retinal complications after endovascular intracranial intervention may benefit from systemic workup for hypercoagulable conditions.

Case of a Man with Hemichorea and Behavioral Changes: "A Red Herring".

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)-pallido-nigro-luysian atrophy (PNLA) is a neuropathological entity thought to be a variant of classic PSP. Clinical features and pathologic hallmarks are the same in both conditions; however, age and order of symptom onset, disease duration and prognosis, and distribution and density of pathology differentiate the 2 entities. This study presents a PSP-PNLA case confirmed pathologically with a clinical presentation of hemichorea/ballism, spasticity, progressive hemiparesis, and a frontal behavioral syndrome with relative cognitive sparing early in the disease course. We describe the clinical progression in this unique case supplemented with video and imaging findings in the form of magnetic resonance imaging and brain single photon emission computed tomography. Final diagnosis is via pathological analysis at autopsy. We present an elderly gentleman who manifested a clinical syndrome consisting of subacute onset of chorea that at presentation was distinctly unilateral and a frontal behavioral syndrome in the setting of mild thrombocytopenia and elevated anticardiolipin antibodies. Positive antiphospholipid antibodies resulted in an initial antemortem diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome as a cause of his chorea. Longitudinal follow-up over 5 years demonstrated a progression of clinical features with hemi-motor impersistence/chorea, disinhibition and impulsivity, and eventually corticospinal distribution weakness on the initially affected side. He required nursing home care and falls necessitated wheelchair use. Postmortem neuropathological study revealed a diagnosis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration-tau, PSP-PNLA. This case broadens the phenotype of PSP-PNLA and to our knowledge is the only case presenting with unilateral chorea.

Multiple biomarkers covering several pathways for the prediction of depression after ischemic stroke

BackgroundTo assess the potential incremental utility of multiple biomarkers reflecting several pathological pathways for the risk prediction of depression after stroke. MethodsWe used data from the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke, and a panel of 13 circulating biomarkers were measured. The study outcome was depression (24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score≥8) at 3 months after ischemic stroke. Logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the risk of depression associated with multiple biomarkers. Discrimination and risk reclassification for depression were analyzed. ResultsAmong 631 included ischemic stroke patients, elevated growth differentiation factor-15, anticardiolipin antibodies, antiphosphatidylserine antibodies and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were individually associated with increased risks of depression after stroke. The multiple biomarker analysis showed a clear gradient in the risk of depression with increasing numbers of elevated biomarkers, and multivariate adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of patients with 4 elevated biomarkers was 6.52 (2.24-18.95) compared with those without elevation in any of 4 biomarkers. The simultaneous inclusion of all 4 biomarkers to the conventional model significantly improved discrimination (C statistic increased from 0.702 to 0.748, P=0.004) and risk reclassification (net reclassification improvement 45.0%; integrated discrimination improvement 6.2%; both P<0.001) for depression after stroke. LimitationsWe selected biomarkers that had previously been reported to be promising predictors of depression after stroke, while other novel biomarkers not tested might have additional predictive value. ConclusionsSimultaneously adding multiple biomarkers from several pathophysiological pathways to traditional risk factors provided substantial incremental utility of the risk stratification for depression after stroke.

Elevated anticardiolipin titer as a stroke factor in young patients in kirkuk city

Background: Stroke is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and it is the third leading cause of medical death in developed countries. Stroke can be classified into ischemic disease (80%) and hemorrhagic disease (20).&#x0D; Subject and methods: A case-control study done in the period extending from November 2013 to April 2014 in neuro medicine department in Azadi teaching hospital in Kirkuk city in Iraq. This study involving 2 study groups, each one of them, including 50 patients. The first group (cases) included 50 patients diagnosed as having an ischemic stroke by neurologist their ages were less than 45 years .in another group (control), 50 patients involved admitted to the same hospital with no history of prior ischemic stroke.&#x0D; Results: Fifty patients with stroke of ischemic orgin and 50 controls included in the study. Table 1 summarize demographic and clinical characteristics of patients and control groups, control was older than ischemic stroke patient with no significant correlation (P-value=0.33). Gender distribution showing a significant correlation in regarding female sex in both groups (P-value=0.001). Ischemic stroke according to our findings is more prevalent in those patients with Hypertension with 66% of patients in comparison to 42% of control patients with P-value of 0.0001, diabetic patients with double percentage (72%) to those in control group (36%) with P-value of 0.0001,coronary arterial disease ,valvular heart disease and rhythm disease such as atrial fibrillation seen to be more popular in those patients with ischemic stroke with no significant value in regarding to patients having coronary and valvular heart disease (P-value=0.11,0.21) and strongly associated with those patient presented with atrial fibrillation (P-value=0.0001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Elevated anticardiolipin antibodies are seen to be as an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke.

Acute myocardial infarction and transient elevated anticardiolipin antibody in a young adult with possible familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report

BackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) can lead to premature coronary heart disease. Anticardiolipin antibody may be a contributor for thrombosis. Here, we report an adult with possible FH suffered from premature myocardial infarction that may be triggered by transient increased anticardiolipin antibody.Case presentationA 29-year-old male had presented with a history of 2-h chest pain and numbness of left upper arm before 5 days. The electrocardiogram (ECG) had demonstrated inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). Five days later he was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed as acute MI and possible FH (premature coronary heart disease, low density lipoprotein cholesterol of 5.90 mmol/L) with increased anticardiolipin antibody (up to 120 RU/ml). Other auto-antibodies including β2-glicoprotein antibodies IgM, IgA, IgG, lupus anticoagulant (LA), antinuclear antibodies, anti-myocardial antibody were normal. Coronary artery angiography (CAG) showed right coronary artery was total occlusion from the middle segment. Then he underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with a stent. Four days later, he was discharged with complete recovery. CAG showed intra-stent restenosis and anticardiolipin antibody level was normal and the patient had no any symptoms at 6-month follow-up.ConclusionsTransient elevated anticardiolipin antibody may be a trigger or biomarker of cardiac thrombotic events in younger atherosclerotic patients.

Thrombophilia Associated with Early Post-angioplasty Thrombosis of Dialysis Vascular Access.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is widely used as the primary treatment for dialysis vascular access dysfunction. Nonetheless, many patients develop early occlusion after angioplasty. Thus, we investigated the role of thrombophilia in access occlusion within 30days of angioplasty. This case-control study included patients who underwent PTA for dialysis vascular access dysfunction. Patients who experienced occlusion within 30days of angioplasty were included in the case group and those without occlusion for at least 30days after angioplasty were included in the control group. All patients were tested for protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, lupus anticoagulant, and anticardiolipin antibodies. From February to October 2015, 462 patients underwent PTA for dialysis vascular access dysfunction. Forty-one patients (8.9%) had early occlusion within 30days of angioplasty. The case group had more graft accesses (73 vs. 31%, P < 0.001) and thrombotic occlusions (67 vs. 15%, P < 0.001). A higher incidence of protein C (10 vs. 2%), protein S (15 vs. 5%), and antithrombin III (10 vs. 2%) deficiency and elevated anticardiolipin antibody (22 vs. 10%) levels were observed in the case group. Overall, 26 patients (63%) in the case group had at least one thrombophilic factor, compared with 15 patients (37%) in the control group (unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.223-7.380; P = 0.027). After adjustment for confounding factors, the association between thrombophilic factors and early occlusion remained (adjusted OR, 3.806; 95% CI, 1.018-14.220; P = 0.047). Thrombophilia is associated with early occlusion after angioplasty for hemodialysis vascular access.

Risk of developing antiphospholipid antibodies following viral infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective The objective of this paper is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the risk of developing elevated antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies and related thromboembolic and/or pregnancy events following a viral infection. Method We searched Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed ePubs, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through June 2016. Independent observational studies of elevated aPL antibodies in patients with a viral infection compared with controls or patients with lupus were included. Results We analyzed 73 publications for 60 studies. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were most commonly reported. Compared with healthy controls, patients with HIV were more likely to develop elevated anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies (risk ratio (RR) 10.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.6-19.4), as were those with HCV (RR 6.3, 95% CI 3.9-10.1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) (RR 4.2, 95% CI 1.8-9.5), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (RR 10.9 95% CI 5.4-22.2). The only statistically significant increased risk for anti-β2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2-GPI) antibodies was observed in patients with HCV (RR 4.8 95% CI 1.0-22.3). Compared with patients with lupus, patients with HIV were more likely to develop elevated aCL antibodies (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.6), and those with EBV, elevated anti-β2-GPI antibodies (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.9). Thromboembolic events were most prevalent in patients with elevated aPL antibodies who had HCV (9.1%, 95% CI 3.0-18.1), and HBV (5.9%, 95% CI 2.0-11.9) infections, and pregnancy events were most prevalent in those with parvovirus B19 (16.3%, 95% CI 0.78-45.7). However, compared to virus-infected patients with negative aPL antibodies, the only statistically significant increased risk was observed in those with HCV and positive aPL. Conclusions Viral infection can increase the risk of developing elevated aPL antibodies and associated thromboembolic events. Results are contingent on the reported information.

Takayasu arteritis and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in an elderly woman

Takayasu arteritis and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in an elderly woman

Thrombophilia in Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: To assess the prevalence of thrombophilia in patients with central (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: In 139 patients with CRVO (n = 88) and BRVO (n = 51) and in 40 healthy controls factor VIII, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, activated protein C resistance, anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA), homocysteine, factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T mutation were assessed retrospectively. Results: Elevated factor VIII activity and the homozygous MTHFR C677T mutation were significantly more often found in CRVO and BRVO cases compared to controls. Age-, gender- and C-reactive protein-adjusted logistic regression analysis did not show a significant additive effect of elevated factor VIII activity on the risk of developing CRVO/BRVO. Elevated fibrinogen levels and ACA were significantly more often found in CRVO than amongst controls. No significant differences were found concerning the remaining variables. Conclusions: We suggest elevated fibrinogen levels, ACA and the homozygous MTHFR C677T mutation as potential risk factors for CRVO/BRVO.

Heerlen polymorphism associated with type III protein S deficiency and factor V Leiden mutation in a Polish patient with deep vein thrombosis

Protein S is one of the major natural anticoagulants. A missense serine 501 to proline (S501P) Heerlen polymorphism is associated with reduced levels of free protein S. Heerlen polymorphism, especially when combined with other thrombophilia risk factors, can lead to thromboembolic complications. To our knowledge, we report here the first Polish case associated with heterozygous Heerlen polymorphism resulting in type III protein S deficiency, detected in a 50-year-old man with several thrombotic episodes of deep and superficial veins and a highly positive thrombotic family history. The patient also had factor V Leiden mutation and persistently elevated anticardiolipin antibodies. It seems that increased risk of thrombotic complications could be explained in the patient by a synergy between the effects of Heerlen polymorphism, factor V Leiden heterozygous status and antiphospholipid syndrome.

Should the presence of an antiphospholipid antibody affect the duration of anticoagulant treatment in patients with venous thromboembolism?

A 44-year-old otherwise healthy woman has completed 3 months of anticoagulation therapy for a first episode of unprovoked pulmonary embolism. At the time of diagnosis and before the initiation of anticoagulation, she was found to have an elevated IgG anticardiolipin antibody (ACLA), which was measured at 42 IgG phospholipid (GPL) units (reference range, <15 GPL units) with negative lupus anticoagulant (LAC) testing. Should this laboratory finding affect the recommended duration of anticoagulant therapy?

Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Stillbirth

To compare antiphospholipid antibodies in deliveries with and without stillbirth using a multicenter, population-based case-control study of stillbirths and live births. Maternal sera were assayed for immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM anticardiolipin and anti-β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies. Assays were performed in 582 stillbirth deliveries and 1,547 live birth deliveries. Elevated levels of IgG anticardiolipin and IgG anti-β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies were associated with an approximate threefold increased odds of stillbirth (crude odds ratio [OR] 3.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79-6.60, 3.8% compared with 1.1% and OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.30-7.72, (1.9% compared with 0.6%, respectively) when all deliveries with stillbirth were compared with all deliveries with live birth. When the subset of stillbirths not associated with fetal anomalies or obstetric complications was compared with term live births, elevated IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were associated with stillbirth (5.0% compared with 1.0%; OR 5.30, 95% CI, 2.39-11.76; IgG anti-β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies (1.9% compared with 0.6%) had an OR of 3.00 (95% CI 1.01-8.90) and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies (6.0% compared with 3.0%) had an OR of 2.03 (95% CI 1.09-3.76). Elevated levels of anticardiolipin and anti-β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies were associated with a threefold to fivefold increased odds of stillbirth. Our data support consideration of testing for antiphospholipid antibodies in cases of otherwise unexplained stillbirth. II.

Bilateral Hand Necrosis in Undiagnosed Ulcerative Colitis

Purpose: Thromboembolic disease is a common extra-intestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated with significant morbidity. Here in we present a case of bilateral hand necrosis in a patient with undiagnosed ulcerative colitis. Case: A 63-year-old male presents with severe bilateral hand pain. He had noted darkening and subsequently necrosis of his fingertips which progressed proximally over a two month period. Investigations were non-revealing for vasculitis, cryoglobulinemia, or other rheumatological state. A hypercoagulable workup was non-revealing. Amputation of his left hand was performed and pathology revealed vaso-occlusive disease with diffuse thrombi in superficial and deep small and large vessels without evidence of vasculitis. A DVT of his left lower extremity had been diagnosed 4 months prior to his presentation and he had been on therapeutic anticoagulation with Coumadin®. He reported frequent diarrhea over the preceding five years. He had no family history of IBD. He had never had a colonoscopy. CT of his abdomen and pelvis revealed diffuse colonic wall thickening. An IBD-7 serology was consistent with ulcerative colitis. A colonoscopy revealed pan-ulceration starting in his rectum. Biopsies from colon showed crypt abscesses without evidence of microthrombi. Patient eventually succumbed to hospital acquired pneumonia. Discussion: A variety of host factors may contribute to the hypercoagulability and thromboembolic events associated with IBD. The most common thromboembolic events in IBD result in deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms. Above we report a unique case of microthrombi to hand vasculature associated with ulcerative colitis. It is known that chronic gut inflammation alters microvascular hemodynamics and cell-signaling. Also a variety of factors including thrombocytosis, high levels of clotting factors V, VIII, fibrinogen, accelerated thromboplastin generation, anti-thrombin III deficiency, decreased protein C and S, elevated anticardiolipin antibodies, and elevated homocystein levels contribute to thromboembolic events. However, such as in the case presented, no single consistent coagulation abnormality is typically identified. The immense morbidity associated with extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD is highlighted in this case.Figure: Patient's right hand.

Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: More Than a Positive Antinuclear Antibody

Based on strong research evidence and consensus, the most common disease manifestations at diagnosis of pSLE are constitutional symptoms, arthritis, and malar rash. Based on some research evidence and consensus, patients with pSLE tend to have major organ system involvement (renal/central nervous system) and a greater disease burden compared with adults. Despite these findings, mortality is low. Based on some research evidence and consensus, the diagnosis of pSLE is unlikely if the ANA is negative, and most patients with SLE have a positive ANA at a titer ≥1:160. Based on strong research evidence, both MMF and cyclophosphamide can be used for induction therapy in class III and IV lupus nephritis. Based on strong research evidence, patients with SLE and anticardiolipin antibodies or LA have a two and six times greater risk of venous thrombosis, respectively, compared with patients with SLE without antiphospholipid antibodies. Based on strong research evidence, patients with pSLE have a higher risk for subclinical atherosclerosis when there is weight-adjusted prednisone use, azathioprine use, increasing age, male gender, high BMI, abnormal creatinine clearance, and elevated lipoprotein(a) levels.

Propylthiouracil-Induced Lupus, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, and Stroke in a Patient With Graves Hyperthyroidism

To describe a case of propylthiouracil-induced lupus, complicated with antiphospholipid syndrome and acute ischemic stroke. Case report. Academic medical center. A 27-year-old man with a diagnosis of Graves disease developed multiple ischemic strokes 2 weeks after starting treatment with propylthiouracil. Thyrotoxicosis and abnormal hypercoagulable and rheumatological profiles were remarkable, with prolonged partial thromboplastin time, elevated anticardiolipin antibody level, and positive antinuclear antibody, lupus anticoagulant, Sjögren antibody, and anti-double-stranded DNA antibody test results, which were more than 8-fold greater than normal values. No clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus were present. Discontinuation of propylthiouracil and treatment with radioactive iodine. Hyperthyroidism resolved and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies returned to normal levels. Eventually, antiphospholipid syndrome was diagnosed. He was treated with oral anticoagulation and remained asymptomatic for 1 year of follow-up. In this young man with Graves hyperthyroidism, treatment with propylthiouracil was associated with transient autoimmune reactions suggestive of drug-induced lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and acute ischemic stroke.

311 Nonbacterial thrombotic (Libman-Sacks) endocarditis with mitral regurgitation in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (a case study)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is one of several prothrombotic states in which thrombi occur within both the venous and arterial beds. A minority of patients with APS present with an acute and devastating syndrome characterized by multiple simultaneous vascular occlusions throughout the body. “Catastrophic APS” is defined by the clinical involvement of at least three different organ systems over a period of days or weeks with histological evidence of multiple occlusions of large or small vessels. We report the case of a 16-year-old girl referred to our paediatric cardiology unit for NHYA IV and a blowing systolic murmur at the apex radiating to the left axilla. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed mitral valve leaflet thickening with vegetations (13 mm) on the edges of both leaflets and moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) (image 1). The diagnosis of Libman-Sacks or non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome was suggested by repeated negative blood cultures along with persistently elevated anticardiolipin antibody titers. The condition deteriorated to acute thrombotic microangiopathy affecting multiple organs with arterial hypertension and thrombocytopenia. Anticoagulation with warfarin was peformed and aspirin, corticosteroids and ACE inhibitors were given. TTE follow-up after 1.5 years revealed no recurrence of MR with normal mitral valve leaflets. In catastrophic APS an aggressive therapeutic approach is warranted. Valve lesions may become more severe during long term follow-up.

Non-cirrhotic Intrahepatic Portal Hypertension: Associated Gut Diseases and Prognostic Factors

Non-cirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension (NCIPH) is generally regarded to have a benign prognosis. We have studied a cohort followed-up at a tertiary referral center and postulate that gut-derived prothrombotic factors may contribute to the pathogenesis and prognosis of NCIPH. We retrospectively analyzed prognostic indicators in 34 NCIPH patients. We also searched for associated gut diseases. Transplant-free survival in NCIPH patients from first presentation with NCIPH at 1, 5, and 10 years was 94% (SE: 4.2%), 84% (6.6%), and 69% (9.8%), respectively. Decompensated liver disease occurred in 53% of patients. Three (9%) patients had ulcerative colitis while five of 31 (16%) tested had celiac disease and on Kaplan-Meier analysis, celiac disease predicted reduced transplant-free survival (p=0.018). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, independent predictors of reduced transplant-free survival were older age at first presentation with NCIPH, hepatic encephalopathy, and portal vein thrombosis. Prevalence of elevated initial serum IgA anticardiolipin antibody (CLPA) was significantly higher in NCIPH (36% of patients tested), compared to Budd-Chiari syndrome (6%) (p=0.032, Fisher's exact test) and celiac disease without concomitant liver disease (0%) (p=0.007). We have identified prognostic factors and report progression to liver failure in 53% of NCIPH patients followed-up at our center. Our data supports a role for intestinal disease in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic portal vein occlusion leading to NCIPH.

Degos Cutaneous Disease With Features of Connective Tissue Disease

A 30-year-old woman was referred on April 2002 for a plaque that involved the internal aspect of the right leg, an erythema nodosum-like lesion on the lower extremities, and periarthritis on her left ankle. Subsequently, the patient developed anular, atrophic, growing, porcelain-white papules, with a thin rim of erythema and telangiectases over her upper and lower extremities. Clinically and histologically, these lesions were the characteristics of Degos disease. Despite arthritis and myositis that required treatment, low level C3 and C4, positive antinuclear antibodies, and elevated anticardiolipin antibodies only once, in a follow-up of 6 years the patient never developed a specific connective tissue disease or other systemic involvement. In conclusion, because clinical and histological findings of Degos disease might mimic connective tissue diseases, rheumatologists must be aware that this reaction pattern can be seen in a wide clinical spectrum of diseases.

Massive gangrene of the stomach due to primary antiphospholipid syndrome: Report of two cases

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease, which may be primary or secondary to other autoimmune diseases. It produces thrombosis of arteries and veins of any caliber, and no organ is immune to its insult. This report describes two cases of massive gastric gangrene due to primary APS, which presented in a span of 2 years. In the first case a multiparous, 40-year-old woman presented with acute abdominal pain, hematemesis, and progressive abdominal distension, and was in azotemia and shock. A laparotomy revealed gangrene of the stomach without any other organ involvement. She was managed with a total gastrectomy and esophagojejunal anastomosis. Postoperative serology revealed a persistent elevation of anticardiolipin antibody with no other apparent predisposing cause. The histopathological examination of the specimen revealed characteristic extensive intramural vascular thrombosis without inflammatory changes in the vessel wall, confirming antiphospholipid syndrome. The second patient was a primiparous, 26-year-old woman who had severe abdominal pain in the first trimester followed by shock. An exploratory laparotomy revealed massive gangrene of the stomach with complete loss of the posterior wall and hemoperitoneum. She also underwent a total gastrectomy with esophagogastric anastomosis and was later managed in the intensive care unit, where she succumbed within 8 days. Her serology showed a highly elevated anticardiolipin antibody titer, and histopathological examination of the stomach revealed characteristic intramural vascular thrombosis without inflammatory cellular infiltrate in the vessel wall. Patients undergoing a total gastrectomy following acute gastric necrosis have very high mortality (50%-80%). Its association with APS is rare and it has not been previously reported. The combination is a formidable challenge to the physician and a dangerous disease for the patient. The rarity of the condition and its grave prognosis is highlighted.

Postpartal recurrent non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in essential thrombocythaemia: case report and review of the literature

Normal pregnancy corresponds to a procoagulant state. Acute myocardial infarction during pregnancy is rare, yet considering the low non-pregnant risk score of childbearing women it is still surprisingly frequent. We report a case of postpartum recurrent non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in a 40-year-old caucasian woman with essential thrombocythaemia in the presence of a positive JAK-2 mutation and an elevated anti-cardiolipin IgM antibody titer. In the majority of cases of myocardial infarction in pregnancy or in the peripartal period, atherosclerosis, a thrombus or coronary artery dissection is observed. The combination of essential thrombocythaemia and elevated anti-cardiolipin IgM antibody titer in the presence of several cardiovascular risk factors seems to be causative in our case. In conclusion, with the continuing trend of childbearing at older ages, rare or unlikely conditions leading to severe events such as myocardial infarction must be considered in pregnant women.