title: Antiphospholipid syndrome in a young Nigerian girl presenting with gangrenous toes.
abstract: We report on a 21-year-old Nigerian girl with toe gangrene, which is one of the most unlikely forms of presentation of antiphospholipid syndrome among Africans. The essence of this case report is to raise awareness that, although antiphospholipid syndrome typically presents in Africans in association with a pregnancy-related event or a neuropathology, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all African patients with unexplained vasculitis. A high index of suspicion and early treatment will prevent toe amputations and reduce mortality rates.
authors: College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.
authors: Raphael Chinedu
authors: RC
authors: Anakwue
authors: Chioli
authors: C
authors: Chijioke
authors: Anthony
authors: A
authors: Mbah
authors: Augustine
authors: A
authors: Onuh
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Okwara
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D044383:Black People; D005260:Female; D005734:Gangrene; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009549:Nigeria; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014034:Toes / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000925:Anticoagulants; D013256:Steroids