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Recurrent deep vein thrombosis and Addison's disease in "primary" antiphospholipid syndrome
1Lupus Arthritis Research Unit, Rayne Institute, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, England.
Insights
A patient with a history of blood clots was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome and Addison's disease. This case explores the link between these conditions and phospholipid antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Hematology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder associated with an increased risk of thrombosis.
- Addison's disease is a disorder of the adrenal glands, often caused by autoimmune processes.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old man presented with a decade of recurrent deep vein thromboses and pulmonary emboli.
- He was diagnosed with lupus anticoagulant and elevated anticardiolipin antibodies, indicative of APS.
- Subsequently, he developed skin and buccal pigmentation, leading to the diagnosis of Addison's disease.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited both APS and Addison's disease.
- Biochemical tests confirmed the presence of Addison's disease.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential association between APS and Addison's disease.
- Understanding this relationship may improve the diagnosis and management of patients with autoimmune-related thrombotic and endocrine disorders.
Abstract:
We describe a 43-year-old Caucasian man who, after a 10 year history of recurrent deep vein thromboses and pulmonary emboli, was found to have a "lupus anticoagulant" and marked elevation of antibodies to cardiolipin. He subsequently developed skin and buccal pigmentation and biochemical investigations revealed the presence of Addison's disease. The relationship of the Addison's disease to the recurrent thrombotic events in the presence of antibodies to phospholipids is discussed.