Recurrent intestinal perforations as a presentation of antiphospholipid syndrome

ABSTRACT

Antiphospholipid syndrome [APS] is a rare but important cause of thrombosis. It is suspected in patients who present with recurrent thrombosis or thrombosis in an unusual site. Gastrointestinal involvement is rare in this syndrome. Moreover, intestinal perforation in APS is very rare. We report a 19-year-old female patient who developed recurrent spontaneous intestinal perforations in which repeated laparotomies were undertaken and different diagnoses were entertained. The patient had received different treatments but without improvement. Antiphospholipid syndrome [APS] was suspected and diagnosed, and subsequently anticoagulant therapy was started. To our knowledge, this is a first report describing recurrent small intestinal perforation in a patient with APS