The spectrum of neurologic disease associated with antiphospholipid antibodies. Lupus anticoagulants and anticardiolipin antibodies

Abstract

Lupus anticoagulants and anticardiolipin antibodies are antiphospholipid immunoglobulins, predominantly of the IgG, IgM, or mixed class. Recently, these antiphospholipid autoantibodies have been associated with neurologic conditions including focal cerebral and ocular ischemia, the myelopathy of lupoid sclerosis and Degos' disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, migraine, chorea, and seizures. We review the neurologic manifestations associated with this group of antibodies. Recognition of these conditions may lead to further insights into pathogenesis and therapy.