Digestive Involvement in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Abstract The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the development of arterial and/or venous thrombosis as well as recurrent obstetric morbidity in patients who present elevated titers of antiphospholipid antibodies, namely, the lupus anticoagulant and/or anticardiolipin antibodies. Digestive involvement is not frequently reported in patients with classic form of APS, while it is reported in up to one-third of patients with catastrophic APS. This is a rare form of APS where multiple organ involvement takes place. Within the digestive system, liver involvement is the most frequently affected organ. However, gastrointestinal tract clinical manifestations have also been reported in the form of pancreatic and spleen manifestations. A concise review of each clinical situation has been undertaken.