Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome presenting with pulmonary hemorrhage: case report

This is a case report of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) involving the rare manifestation of pulmonary hemorrhage. This rare variant of APLS is frequently life threatening despite medical therapy. The pathogenesis of pulmonary hemorrhage in catastrophic APLS remains incompletely understood. The optimal approach to managing pulmonary hemorrhage in the setting of catastrophic APLS is still unclear, however this case report demonstrates the success of combination therapy with anticoagulation, corticosteroids and plasma exchange.