Bronchopulmonary cancer, antiphospholipid syndrome and coagulation disorders.

Introduction. - The antiphospholipid syndrome includes recurrent thrombotic manifestations related to antiphospholipid antibodies. Adrenal insufficien cy is a rare complication of the antiphospholipid syndrome. Exegesis. - We report a case of acute adrenal insufficiency secondary to bi lateral adrenal hemorrhage in a 45-year-old man. The finding of antiphospho lipid antibodies and 6 months later of a polymetastatic bronchopulmonary ca ncer led us to diagnose a paraneoplasic antiphospholipid syndrome. Conclusion, - We discuss the role of coagulation disorders in the pathogene sis of tumor growth and rapid metastatic spread. Assessment of the high ris k for thrombosis may be of prognostic and therapeutic value in patients wit h evolutive bronchopulmonary cancer. Early anticoagulation treatment in ass ociation with classical treatment gf cancer may contribute to prevent malig nant process from extending and avoid metastatic spread. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.