Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome: An Unusual Early Manifestation

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLS) is an acquired autoimmune disorder that manifests clinically as recurrent venous or arterial thrombosis and/or fetal loss. The actual frequency of APLS in the general population is unknown. The annual incidence of APLS has been estimated at approximately 5 cases per 100,000 persons, and the prevalence is approximately 40-50 cases per 100,000 persons. Genetic risk factors, infections and many drugs heighten the risk of antiphospholipid antibody-associated thrombosis. The clinical features vary significantly and can be as mild as asymptomatic APLA positivity, or as severe as catastrophic APLS. It can virtually affect any organ system.Here we present a case of a 19-year-old female with abdominal pain and normal lab investigations, revealed to be diagnosed with Budd-Chiari syndrome, with the primary being APLA positive.