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Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome presenting as dilated cardiomyopathy with bilateral branch retinal artery

B Mandal1, S Rathore, A F Douglas

  • 1Department of Renal Medicine, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Rhyl.

International Journal of Clinical Practice
|February 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can rarely cause dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition. Prompt treatment with anticoagulation and steroids can effectively manage this rare APS cardiac manifestation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder associated with a prothrombotic state.
  • Cardiac involvement in APS typically includes valvular heart disease, intracardiac thrombi, and coronary artery disease.
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy is an uncommon but recognized cardiac manifestation of APS.

Observation:

  • This report details a patient with APS who presented with dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • The patient also exhibited bilateral retinal artery thrombosis, a rare ocular complication.

Findings:

  • The case highlights dilated cardiomyopathy as a significant, albeit rare, cardiac manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome.
  • The patient's condition demonstrated a positive response to anticoagulation and corticosteroid therapy.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of dilated cardiomyopathy in APS is crucial for timely intervention.
  • Aggressive management including anticoagulation and steroids may improve outcomes in APS-related cardiomyopathy.
  • This case underscores the diverse systemic manifestations of APS, extending to cardiac and ocular systems.

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