Korean J Med.  2016 Feb;90(2):182-187. 10.3904/kjm.2016.90.2.182.

Possible Antiphospholipid Syndrome Presenting as Peripartum Cardiomyopathy and Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage

• Cho YK
• Han JH
• Kim HS

• KMID: 2268881
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2016.90.2.182

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of circulating antiphospholipid antibodies in combination with at least one other clinical manifestation, such as vascular thrombosis or recurrent pregnancy loss. APS is further characterized by the presence of vasculitis affecting multiple organ systems, resulting in a wide variety of clinical outcomes. Common cardiac manifestations of APS include valve abnormalities, occlusive arterial disease, intra-cardiac emboli, ventricular dysfunction, and pulmonary hypertension, along with rare instances of dilated cardiomyopathy. Simultaneously diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and peripartum cardiomyopathy have also been reported, though these manifestations remain extremely rare. Here, we report a case of a 34-year-old woman with possible APS who presented with peripartum cardiomyopathy and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage.

Keyword

Antiphospholipid syndrome; Peripartum cardiomyopathy; Alveolar hemorrhage

MeSH Terms

Adult
Antibodies, Antiphospholipid
Antiphospholipid Syndrome*
Autoimmune Diseases
Cardiomyopathies*
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated
Female
Hemorrhage*
Humans
Hypertension, Pulmonary
Peripartum Period*
Pregnancy
Thrombosis
Vasculitis
Ventricular Dysfunction
Antibodies, Antiphospholipid