Primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome presenting with encephalopathy, psychosis and seizures

Lupus. 2011 Nov;20(13):1433-5. doi: 10.1177/0961203311405373. Epub 2011 Jul 18.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent thrombotic events, miscarriages and thrombocytopenia with persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies.( 1,2 ) APS may be isolated (primary APS) or associated to a connective tissue disease, most often systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).( 1,2 ) APS usually affects young patients before the fifth decade( 3 ) with stroke being the commonest neurological manifestation.( 4 ) Various other neurological manifestations are being recognized in patients with APS including migraine, epilepsy, multi-infarct dementia and chorea.( 2 ) The pathological process underlying the neurological manifestations remains obscure.( 1,2 ) Herein we report a case of primary APS presenting with a group of unusual neurological manifestations in a 68-year-old woman.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / immunology
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / immunology
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / pathology
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / psychology
  • Encephalitis / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Psychotic Disorders / etiology*
  • Seizures / etiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid