Total occlusion of inferior vena cava in a patient with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome associated with Behcet's disease

Behcet's disease frequently involves the venous system, usually affecting s mall vessels, but sometimes large vessels such as the vena cava. Antiphosph olipid antibody syndrome is associated with an increased incidence of arter ial and venous thrombosis. A 29-year-old male with Behqet's disease develop ed bilateral leg edema secondary to thrombotic occlusion of the inferior ve na cava. Laboratory tests revealed positive antiphospholipid antibodies and lupus anticoagulant. Treatment with steroid and warfarin subsequent to int ravenous administration of uro-kinase resulted in improvement of symptoms. The association of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and Behqet's disease may have caused the total thrombotic occlusion of the vena cava in this cas e.