title: Extensive cutaneous necrosis associated with anticardiolipin antibodies.
abstract: Extensive cutaneous necrosis (ECN) associated with antiphospholipid antibodies is a rare presentation. We describe 2 patients with ECN and high titers of anticardiolipin antibodies. The mechanism by which these antibodies act has not been established and there is still controversy regarding treatment of these patients without established guidelines. In the few documented cases the use of pulse steroid therapy, anticoagulants, fibrinolytic agents, plasmapheresis, or a combination of them has shown some benefit. Early recognition and treatment of the antiphospholipid syndrome may limit the extent of thrombotic complications that can result in tissue necrosis.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Department, Hospital JM Cullen, Santa Fe, Republica Argentina.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Paira
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roverano
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zunino
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Oliva
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Bertolaccini
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017153:Antibodies, Anticardiolipin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D017153:Antibodies, Anticardiolipin; D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D013256:Steroids