Persistent Antiphospholipid Antibodies, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Post-COVID Syndrome: 1 Year On

Abstract

This is the first case report of a patient with post-COVID-19 postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) with multiple persistent antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positivity more than a year after illness onset who also meets Global Consensus-2 criteria for mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), suggesting pathological activation of the acquired and innate immune systems by SARS-CoV-2. While the patient continues to meet criteria for POTS 1 year on, her functional ability has improved significantly with therapy directed at MCAS, POTS and aPL-positivity.

Learning points: A subset of long-haul COVID-19 patients have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which can be diagnosed by a 10-minute in-office stand test.Antiphospholipid antibodies may be associated with POTS in patients with long-haul COVID-19 and have important clinical implications.Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) may be associated with long-haul COVID-19 (with or without POTS) and can often be easily treated, including with over-the-counter medications, supplements and dietary changes.

Keywords: Long-haul COVID-19; antiphospholipid antibodies; mast cell activation syndrome; post-COVID syndrome; postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.