Reversible Parkinsonism and Multiple Cerebral Infarctions after Pulmonary Endarterectomy in a Patient with Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Intern Med. 2018 Jul 15;57(14):2019-2023. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9880-17. Epub 2018 Jan 11.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a cause of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and it is associated with an increased risk of postoperative neurological complications. We experienced a case of reversible parkinsonism after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) and subsequent multiple cerebral infarctions under standard anticoagulation therapy in a patient with CTEPH associated with APS. Strict management using a combination of antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy should be considered in patients with a high titer of triple antiphospholipid antibodies in the perioperative period. We should be aware of the high risk of postoperative neurologic manifestations in patients with APS.

Keywords: anticoagulation therapy; antiphospholipid antibody; antiplatelet therapy; chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension; hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy; perioperative management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / surgery*
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Infarction / drug therapy*
  • Cerebral Infarction / etiology
  • Chronic Disease / drug therapy
  • Endarterectomy / adverse effects*
  • Heparin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / diagnostic imaging
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / etiology
  • Male
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Pyridines / therapeutic use
  • Thiazoles / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Pyridines
  • Thiazoles
  • Warfarin
  • Heparin
  • edoxaban