Antiphospholipid syndrome mimicking multiple sclerosis in two patients

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder.
• APS can present with neurological symptoms that overlap with other conditions.
• Diagnostic challenges arise when APS mimics other neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic challenges of antiphospholipid syndrome mimicking multiple sclerosis.
• To present cases of young women with neurological deficiencies, antiphospholipid antibodies, and demyelinating lesions.
• To evaluate the efficacy of anticoagulant therapy in managing neurological events in APS.

Main Methods:

• Case report of two young women.
• Clinical assessment of recurrent neurological deficiencies.
• Laboratory testing for antiphospholipid antibodies.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify demyelinating lesions.

Main Results:

• Both patients exhibited recurrent neurological deficits.
• Antiphospholipid antibodies were detected in both patients' serum.
• MRI revealed demyelinating lesions consistent with neurological autoimmune conditions.
• Anticoagulant therapy was initiated in both cases.
• No new neurological events occurred after initiating anticoagulant therapy.

Conclusions:

• Antiphospholipid syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with neurological symptoms and demyelinating lesions.
• Early diagnosis and initiation of anticoagulant therapy may prevent further neurological complications in APS.