Spontaneous coronary artery dissection and valvular disease revealing an antiphospholipid syndrome in a young woman: Case report

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by hypercoagulability, manifesting as venous or arterial thrombosis, and pregnancy-related complications, such as fetal loss, pre-eclampsia, and eclampsia. These conditions occur in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), including anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and/or a positive lupus anticoagulant (LA) test.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can manifest as a primary, isolated condition or be associated with connective tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The cardiac system is one of the main target organs affected by APS.

This report describes a rare clinical case involving a young woman with a history of recurrent miscarriages, who presented with cardiac complications, including severe mitral regurgitation and Spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Etiological assessment identified antiphospholipid antibody syndrome as the underlying cause.

The multidisciplinary management plan included initiating therapeutic-dose anticoagulation, followed by referring the patient for potential mitral valve replacement surgery.