Keywords
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Glomerulonephritis
Thrombocytopenia
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) are histological disorders characterized by non-immune microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. They occur secondary to endothelial injury due to complement dysregulation, which leads organ ischemia. TMAs may be primary or secondary to another entity, including autoimmune disorders.
Purpose: To highlight the diagnosis of TMA secondary to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome (CAPS), and to examine pathophysiological mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies based on current evidence.
Case presentation: A 26-year-old female with multiorgan failure, bicytopenia, hypocomplementemia, and hemolytic anemia, in whom SLE and CAPS were diagnosed, with secondary TMA related to both entities. Renal biopsy revealed a full-house immunofluorescence pattern compatible with class IV lupus nephritis and thrombosis in glomerular arterioles and capillaries consistent with TMA changes. Timely histological diagnosis enabled the initiation of appropriate treatment, with a favorable clinical response.
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