[Primary antiphospholipid syndrome associated with malignant hypertension]

Abstract

The antiphospholipid syndrome is defined by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and recurrent thrombosis, affecting the venous system more frequently than the arterial one. Renal involvement is only observed in approximately 20-25% of cases, main renal artery thrombosis has been exceptionally described. We report a 39-year-old woman with previous history of recurrent thrombosis diagnosed as primary antiphospholipid syndrome, who presented malignant hypertension in the context of a renal artery thrombosis. She had a high IgG anticardiolipin antibody titre and positive lupus anticoagulant. An isotopic renogram demonstrated asymmetrical activity (60% right vs 40% left kidney). Renal arteriography demonstrated preoclusive thrombosis in the left renal artery. Blood pressure was well controlled by the use of ACE-inhibitor and alpha blockers.