Keywords
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Thrombocytopenia
Categories
How to Cite
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular thrombosis and obstetric complications in the presence of persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Pulmonary embolism (PE), a frequent thrombotic manifestation of APS, can be life-threatening when associated with right ventricular dysfunction. We present the case of a 33-year-old woman with tachypnea, tachycardia, hypoxemia, and syncope. An ECG revealed characteristics of PE (S1Q3T3), and imaging confirmed intermediate–high-risk PE with right ventricular dysfunction, including a total occlusion of the left pulmonary artery and partial obstruction of the right pulmonary artery. Laboratory studies demonstrated aPL positivity alongside severe thrombocytopenia, significantly elevating her bleeding risk with standard anticoagulation therapy. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in managing suspect APS-related PE with concomitant thrombocytopenia.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Hamouda Elkasaby, Mostafa Sabry Elshahat, Omar Nasr Elshafey, Islam Ebeid, Ahmed Ali