Journal List > J Korean Rheum Assoc > v.14(1) > 1003603

Kim, Choi, Son, Lee, Lee, Chung, Gil, Park, and Lee: A Case of Successful Treatments of Venous Leg Ulcers in Secondary Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent arterial or venous thrombosis, and pregnancy loss. A 57-year-old woman was admitted for aggravation of both leg ulcers. Venogram showed chronic venous obstructions at both lower extremities, and chest x-ray and computed tomography revealed serositis in pericardium and pleura. The laboratory tests revealed pancytopenia, and positive tests for antinuclear antibody, anti-dsDNA antibody, lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody, which led to a diagnosis of anti- phospholipid syndrome secondary to systemic lupus erythematous. After medical treatments by anticoagulation and immunosuppression, and surgical managements including subtotal skin graft and local flap surgery, leg ulcers had been successfully treated without recurrence. Recognition of antiphospholipid syndrome as a cause of venous ulcer and the treatment plans including anticoagulation and surgical management is important in proper managements.

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Fig. 1.
There was 3 X4 cm sized ulcer at right lower tibia (A), and 2 X3 cm sized ulcer at left malleus area (B).
jkra-14-71f1.tif
Fig. 2.
Distal obstructions of left posterior tibial artery, and right anterior · posterior tibial artery were found in the arteriogram.
jkra-14-71f2.tif
Fig. 3.
Venograms showed chronic obstruction from right infrapopliteal veins to right common femoral vein with superficial collateral vein (A), and multiple obstructions at left tibioperoneal vein (B).
jkra-14-71f3.tif
Fig. 4.
Right ulcer was covered with subtotal skin graft (A), and left ulcer with local adiofascial flap and subtotal skin graft (B).
jkra-14-71f4.tif
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