Pulmonary capillaritis associated with the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and rapid response to plasmapheresis.
OBJECTIVE
Pulmonary capillaritis is an uncommon complication of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome but has important therapeutic implications.


METHODS
A patient with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome presented with haemoptysis and respiratory failure. Investigation including open lung biopsy, demonstrated vasculitis as the underlying pathology, rather than thrombosis. The patient responded promptly to methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide and plasmapheresis.


CONCLUSIONS
Plasmapheresis has not previously been described in this setting and the rapid response suggests that it should be considered in severe disease.
Waterer
G W
GW
Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia, Australia.
Latham
B
B
Waring
J A
JA
Gabbay
E
E
D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002196:Capillaries; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D010956:Plasmapheresis / Q000379:methods*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D008775:Methylprednisolone