title: Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome.
abstract: Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome is a rapidly progressive life-threatening disease that causes multiple organ thromboses and dysfunction in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. A high index of clinical suspicion and careful investigation are required to make an early diagnosis so that treatment with anticoagulation and corticosteroids can be initiated; plasma exchange and/or intravenous immunoglobulins can be added if the life-threatening condition persists. Despite aggressive treatment and intensive care unit management, patients with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome have a 48% mortality rate, primarily attributable to cardiopulmonary failure. This article reviews the current information on the etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome.
authors: Pulmonary Physicians of Norwich, Norwich, Connecticut, USA.
authors: Setu K
authors: SK
authors: Vora
authors: Ronald A
authors: RA
authors: Asherson
authors: Doruk
authors: D
authors: Erkan