APS - arterial thrombosis

Q: Which is the common site of arterial thrombosis in Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)? - select one

A) cerebral 

B) retinal

C) coronary

D) renal

E) mesenteric

Answer: A

Although venous thrombosis is commonly mentioned in APS, arterial thrombosis is also common. Cerebral vasculature is the most common site of arterial thrombosis. Retinal, coronary, renal, and mesenteric arteries can also get thrombosis, but are less common than the cerebral vasculature.

A young patient presenting with thrombotic stroke with no overt risk factors is APS-proven otherwise!

#rheumatology

#hematology

References:

1. Cervera R, Piette JC, Font J, et al. Antiphospholipid syndrome: clinical and immunologic manifestations and patterns of disease expression in a cohort of 1,000 patients. Arthritis Rheum 2002; 46:1019.

2. Andreoli L, Chighizola CB, Banzato A, et al. Estimated frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with pregnancy morbidity, stroke, myocardial infarction, and deep vein thrombosis: a critical review of the literature. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2013; 65:1869.