Acute coronary syndrome as the first presentation of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Immunology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Coronary arterial disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
• Anginal chest pain is a common symptom of myocardial ischemia.
• Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder associated with thrombotic events.

Observation:

• A 42-year-old male presented with anginal chest pain and objective evidence of cardiac injury.
• Initial management focused on suspected coronary arterial disease.
• Cardiac catheterization revealed diffuse coronary arterial thrombosis with embolization.

Findings:

• Follow-up investigations identified new-onset antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) as the underlying etiology.
• The patient's thrombotic event was directly linked to APS.
• This case highlights a rare presentation of APS.

Implications:

• Early diagnosis of APS is crucial in patients with unexplained thrombosis, even in the absence of typical risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• This case underscores the importance of considering autoimmune disorders in the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes.
• Recognition of APS can guide appropriate anticoagulation therapy and prevent recurrent thrombotic events.