Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (Asherson's Syndrome) revealed

Abstract

The clinical picture of widespread multi-organ thrombosis and consequent organ failure in association with antiphospholipid antibodies is referred to as the "catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome" (Asherson's Syndrome). This is an unusual variant of the antiphospholipid syndrome which may occurs in patients without a previous diagnosis or during the course of primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome, even in those with anticoagulant therapy. Patients present with small vessel occlusions and clinical manifestations depend on which organs are affected. Triggering factors have been identified in half of the cases and despite therapy its mortality remains high. This review will present the state of our knowledge on this condition, as we understand it at the present time.