ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME IN A PATIENT WITH RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE FIBROSING ALVEOLITIS

The antiphospholipid syndrome is a thrombotic disorder which can occur in a primary form or more classically in systemic lupus erythematosus . An association between cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis and the anti phospholipid syndrome has not previously been reported. We describe a patient with severe cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis who developed pul monary embolism and myocardial infarction in the presence of antiphosp holipid antibody. The case also illustrates that worsening respiratory function may represent superimposition of one lung pathology on anoth er, and may not simply be a deterioration of the pre-existing disease.