FIBROSING ALVEOLITIS ASSOCIATED WITH PRIMARY ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME

The spectrum of the primary antiphospholipid syndrome has expanded in recent years. It has been associated with a number of non-thrombotic s yndromes such as pulmonary hypertension, adrenal insufficiency, chorea and avascular necrosis of bone. Yet, it has not been described in ass ociation with inflammatory pulmonary disease. We describe a young male with definite primary antiphospholipid syndrome who developed insidio us diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. The histopathologic examination of t he involved lung demonstrated alveolitis and fibrosis. We suggest that this pulmonary involvement may represent another manifestation of the primary antiphospholipid syndrome.