Pulmonary embolism and transitory anti-beta 2-GPI antibodies in an adult with chicken pox

Anti-beta 2-glycoprotein antibodies are considered as a specific marker for the antiphospholipid syndrome. In contrast to lupus circulating anticoagul ant and anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies, they are usually not found at sig nificant levels in infections. We report a case of pulmonary embolism in an adult with varicella. Transien t significant levels of aCL antibodies and of IgM anti-beta 2-GPI antibodie s were observed. No other prothrombotic factor, including free protern S an tigen deficiency, was found. The direct pathogenic role of these transient antibodies on the thrombotic event may then be suspected. They are probably associated with VZV acute in fection and are absent two months after varicella.