A massive arterial thrombosis of a free anterolateral thigh flap in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome.
The antiphospholipid syndrome is a pathological condition characterized by recurrent thrombotic manifestations in venous and/or arterial vascular systems and by peculiar laboratory findings as anticardiolipin antibodies and/or positive lupus anticoagulant. We present a case of massive pedicle thrombosis of a free anterolateral thigh perforator flap used for tongue reconstruction following hemiglossectomy in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome, which compelled us to an immediate second reconstruction choice with a radial forearm free flap. This case is an example of how this syndrome, especially if unknown before surgery, can influence the outcome of microsurgical transfer of flaps.
Salgarello
M
M
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. m.salgarello@mclink.it
Cervelli
D
D
Barone-Adesi
L
L
D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D001163:Arteriovenous Anastomosis; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016682:Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D013848:Thigh; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D016682:Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor