The catastrophic antiphospholipid (Asherson's) syndrome and malignancies
W Miesbach1, R A Asherson, R Cervera
1Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, Johan Wolfgang Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany. miesbach@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Autoimmunity Reviews
|December 2, 2006
Summary
Malignancy is a significant risk factor for catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a rare but severe condition. In 9% of cases, cancer or related surgeries precipitated catastrophic APS, often involving cerebral complications.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a severe condition characterized by rapid thrombotic events, often linked to underlying malignancies.
- Understanding the interplay between malignancy and catastrophic APS is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with catastrophic APS and associated malignancies.
- To identify the role of malignancy as a precipitating factor in catastrophic APS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a web-based international registry of patients with catastrophic APS.
- Evaluation of clinical data, including associated malignancies and precipitating factors, for 262 patients.
Main Results:
- Of 262 patients, 23 (9%) had associated malignancies, including hematological cancers (26%), lung carcinoma (17%), and colon carcinoma (9%).
- Malignancy was the precipitating factor in 61% of these cases; surgical procedures related to cancer precipitated catastrophic APS in 17%.
- Cerebral manifestations (infarcts, encephalopathy) were most common; recovery occurred in 39% of patients with malignancy.
Conclusions:
- Malignancy represents an important risk factor for developing catastrophic APS.
- Cancer and associated surgical interventions frequently precipitate catastrophic APS, highlighting the need for vigilance in oncology patients.
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