title: Widespread cutaneous necrosis as the initial manifestation of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
abstract: We describe a patient with the acute onset of widespread cutaneous necrosis as the initial manifestation of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). The patient was effectively treated with corticosteroids and anticoagulants, however extensive skin grafting was eventually required. We review 6 other reported cases and discuss the various underlying etiologies of vascular thrombosis resulting in cutaneous necrosis. Early recognition and treatment of the APS may limit the extent of thrombotic complications that can result in tissue necrosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY, USA.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Abernethy
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: McGuinn
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Callen
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000925:Anticoagulants