Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Acute Heart Failure

Abstract

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare variant of antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS). CAPS is a syndrome characterized by microvascular thrombosis leading to multi-organ failure, including acute heart failure. Diagnosis is challenging, and disease progression is rapid. Treatment includes triple therapy with anticoagulation, glucocorticoids, and plasma exchange. We present a case of a patient with CAPS who developed de novo acute heart failure. With treatment, the patient's multi-organ failure improved, including cardiac function. It is our goal to present this case in order to facilitate greater diagnostic suspicion and the early treatment of CAPS to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: acute heart failure; acute systolic heart failure; antiphospholipid syndrome; bioprosthetic; catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (caps); lupus flare; mitral valve stenosis; sytemic lupus erythematosus.