Pulmonary manifestations in antiphospholipid syndrome

Autoimmun Rev. 2006 May;5(5):344-8. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2006.02.002. Epub 2006 Mar 3.

Abstract

Pulmonary manifestations in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are relatively rare compared to other clinical signs of this disease. However, pulmonary microthrombosis is among the most frequent arterial complications of APS. Timely diagnosis of pulmonary manifestations is required due both to their severity and to the high mortality rate. The spectrum of pulmonary disorders in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies is sometimes referred to as the "antiphospholipid lung syndrome", and includes thromboembolism of lung arteries, pulmonary hypertension, adult respiratory distress syndrome, intra-alveolar hemorrhages, postpartum syndrome, and others. Timely diagnosis and correct therapy, as well as good patient-doctor collaboration, can result in stabilization of the patient's condition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / etiology
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / immunology
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / immunology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / immunology