Thrombotic microangiopathy and the antiphospholipid syndrome

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) comprises the association between vascular thrombosis, including microthrombosis, pregnancy morbidity and the coexistence of anti-phospholipid antibodies. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) can be one of the manifestations of the APS and may involve any organ. This feature of the APS is probably less recognized by clinical doctors than venous thrombosis and recurrent abortions. This case report presents a patient who developed a widespread TMA with renal failure, gastric mucosa ulceration, urinary bladder ulcerations and a finger necrosis as part of the APS.