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Published on: August 18, 2015
Primary catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in children with midbrain infarction: a case report
Qinghua Dong1, Jianyun Yin1, Hang Su1
1The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
Insights
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare autoimmune disease causing extensive thrombosis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of pediatric CAPS with midbrain infarction are crucial for survival and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Pediatric rheumatology
- Vascular medicine
Background:
- Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a severe, multi-system autoimmune disorder characterized by widespread thrombosis.
- Pediatric CAPS is exceptionally rare, with midbrain infarction significantly increasing mortality risk.
- Early diagnosis and prompt intervention are critical for managing CAPS, especially when complicated by neurological events.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old girl presented with neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, initially misdiagnosed as intracranial infection.
- Diagnostic workup revealed primary CAPS with concurrent midbrain infarction.
- The patient received intensive care including anticoagulation, glucocorticoids, IVIG, and plasma exchange.
Findings:
- The patient's condition improved significantly within 27 days of standardized treatment.
- This case highlights the clinical presentation of pediatric CAPS with midbrain infarction.
- Successful management involved a multi-faceted therapeutic approach.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering CAPS in pediatric patients with unexplained neurological symptoms and thrombosis.
- Timely and aggressive treatment can lead to favorable outcomes even in severe pediatric CAPS cases.
- Raising awareness of pediatric CAPS is vital for improving diagnostic accuracy and patient prognosis.
Background:
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a multi-system autoimmune disease characterized by extensive thrombosis. Pediatric CAPS is extremely rare and associated with a high mortality rate, especially when midbrain infarction is involved. Hence, early diagnosis and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment for CAPS complicated by midbrain infarction are of utmost importance in achieving favorable outcomes.
Case Presentation:
In this report, we present the case of a 14-year-old girl who presented with neurological symptoms and digestive system infection and was initially diagnosed with an "intracranial infection". After a series of rigorous diagnostic procedures, the patient was ultimately diagnosed with primary CAPS and was immediately transferred to the intensive care unit where she was treated with anticoagulation, glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, and multiple plasma infusions. Twenty-seven days after admission, the patient's condition improved with standardized treatment, and she was discharged and followed up regularly.
Conclusion:
This case report provides a description of the clinical features observed in a pediatric patient with CAPS and concurrent midbrain infarction, highlighting the crucial role of early diagnosis and timely treatment in influencing patient prognosis.
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