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Published on: September 20, 2018

[A childhood case of antiphospholipid syndrome]

I Chabchoub1, A Ben Thabet, I Maaloul

  • 1Service de pédiatrie générale, hôpital Habib-Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisie. chabchoubimen@yahoo.fr

Journal Des Maladies Vasculaires
|December 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric cerebral strokes may stem from antiphospholipid syndrome, a rare childhood condition. This diagnosis is considered when common causes are excluded, especially in cases with high anticardiolipin antibodies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Rheumatology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Cerebral strokes in children can arise from various causes.
  • Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare but significant cause of stroke in pediatric populations.
  • APS is more commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in adults.

Observation:

  • A 17-month-old girl presented with hemiplegia and facial paralysis following viral infections.
  • Cerebral MRI revealed internal carotid artery thrombosis and Sylvian artery territory ischemia.
  • Extensive testing ruled out common thrombophilias and autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Findings:

  • High levels of IgM anticardiolipin antibodies were persistently detected.
  • A diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome was established in the absence of other clear etiologies.
  • The patient remained free of further thrombotic events on anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy.

Implications:

  • Antiphospholipid syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric cerebral strokes.
  • Early identification and management of APS can prevent recurrent thrombotic events in children.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare autoimmune conditions in pediatric stroke workups.
Abstract

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