[A case of primary antiphospholipid syndrome complicated with pulmonary hypertension]

We describe the case of 55-year old male with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) who developed pulmonary hypertension without any thromboembolic episode. Multiple pulmonary perfusion defects suggestive of in situ thrombosis were observed. Hematological findings revealed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. These findings were improved by anticoagulant therapy. We monitored mean pressure of pulmonary artery (mPAP) and total pulmonary vascular resistance (TPR) before and after using vasodilator agents by Swan-Ganz catheter. mPAP and TPR showed improvement on treatment with oxygen supplementation therapy and Isosorbide administration. Previously 11 cases with APS complicated with pulmonary hypertension were reported. Majority of these patients have had recurrent venous thrombosis, particularly deep vein thrombosis often accompanied by pulmonary thromboembolism (8/11 cases, 72%). However in this case pulmonary hypertension with APS may be induced by in situ thrombosis in pulmonary micro vessels.