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[Isolated memory disorders disclosing antiphospholipid antibody syndrome]
J R Harle1, P Disdier, A Ali Cherif
1Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille.
Revue Neurologique
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Antiphospholipid syndrome can cause neurological issues beyond typical blood clots. This case highlights a unique amnestic syndrome, suggesting antibodies may directly impact memory in antiphospholipid syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder associated with an increased risk of thrombosis.
- Neurological complications in APS are typically attributed to arterial or venous cerebral thromboses.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old woman with established APS (Raynaud's, livedo, leg ulcers, recurrent miscarriages, antiphospholipid antibodies) presented with an unusual amnestic syndrome.
- The patient exhibited preserved learning and short-term recall but showed progressive memory deterioration over time, affecting both recent and older memories, including semantic memory.
Findings:
- The patient's memory impairment was characterized by a peculiar pattern: intact new skill acquisition, delayed recent memory loss, and gradual degradation of older memories.
- Absence of neuroradiological evidence for multiple cerebral infarcts suggested a non-thrombotic mechanism for the memory deficits.
Implications:
- This case suggests that antiphospholipid antibodies may directly interfere with memory mechanisms in APS, independent of thrombotic events.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the direct pathogenic role of antiphospholipid antibodies in cognitive dysfunction and memory impairment in APS.