Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Presenting as Subacute Abdominal Pain Due to Portomesenteric Thrombosis

Abstract

Abstract Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), a hypercoagulable state, affects organ by causing venous or arterial thrombosis. We present an unusual case of a 58-year-old male who presented with diffuse abdominal pain and on evaluation diagnosed as having portomesenteric venous thrombosis due to primary APS. Upon successful treatment with enoxaparin followed by anticoagulants for 6 months, recanalization of the portal vein was documented by endoscopic ultrasonography. Early identification and treatment of portomesenteric thrombosis is crucial to prevent bowel ischemia. Lifelong anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists should be considered in those patients with major thrombosis and established APS.