Pulmonary capillaritis associated with the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and rapid response to plasmapheresis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Pulmonary capillaritis is an uncommon complication of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome but has important therapeutic implications.

CASE REPORT:

A patient with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome presented with haemoptysis and respiratory failure. Investigation including open lung biopsy, demonstrated vasculitis as the underlying pathology, rather than thrombosis. The patient responded promptly to methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide and plasmapheresis.

CONCLUSION:

Plasmapheresis has not previously been described in this setting and the rapid response suggests that it should be considered in severe disease.

• Authors: G W Waterer, B Latham, J A Waring, E Gabbay
• Journal: Respirology (Carlton, Vic.) (Respirology) Vol. 4 Issue 4 Pg. 405-8 (Dec 1999) ISSN: 1323-7799 [Print] Australia
• PMID: 10612576 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cyclophosphamide
• Methylprednisolone

Topics

• Antiphospholipid Syndrome (complications, diagnosis)
• Capillaries
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Cyclophosphamide (administration & dosage)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hemoptysis (etiology)
• Humans
• Lung (blood supply)
• Lung Diseases (etiology, pathology, therapy)
• Male
• Methylprednisolone (administration & dosage)
• Middle Aged
• Plasmapheresis (methods)
• Respiratory Insufficiency (etiology)
• Treatment Outcome
• Vasculitis (etiology, pathology, therapy)