What’s Lungs Got to Do With It?

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease. It is characterized by recurrent thromboembolic events and/or morbidity in pregnancy in the presence of laboratory evidence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).  

Antiphospholipid Syndrome and the Lungs #Rheumatology https://t.co/W2iCLrXG1b

— EMJ Rheumatology (@EMJRheum) June 22, 2018

Several lung manifestations may develop in patients with APS, including pulmonary embolism, thromboembolic and non-thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary microthrombosis, and more. Although pulmonary manifestations are relatively rare within the realm of aPL, it can happen and is more likely to be life threatening compared to other complications of aPL. In this article in the European Medical Journal, the author discusses the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary manifestations, in order to improve morality rates in patients with this type of condition. 

SOURCE: European Medical Journal