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Case Reports
. 2025 Jul 7;17(7):e87462.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.87462. eCollection 2025 Jul.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome in a Patient With IgA Nephropathy: A Rare and Challenging Clinical Overlap

Usamah Al-Anbagi  1 , Hatem M Abusriwil  1 , Azeez Palol  1 , Mohamed Emsalem  2 , Alaa Abdelhamid  3 , Abdulqadir J Nashwan  4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Antiphospholipid Syndrome in a Patient With IgA Nephropathy: A Rare and Challenging Clinical Overlap

Usamah Al-Anbagi et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune condition associated with a heightened risk of blood clots in arteries and veins due to the presence of specific antibodies. IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a kidney disorder involving immune complex deposition, is another immune-mediated disease. The coexistence of APS and IgAN is highly uncommon. We describe a young adult male with biopsy-confirmed kidney involvement who developed a significant clot in the lower limb. Despite appropriate treatment, the clot progressed, leading to complications in the lungs. Further investigation revealed laboratory findings consistent with APS. The patient underwent advanced interventions including clot removal and vascular procedures, followed by long-term treatment to prevent further clotting. This study emphasizes the clinical complexity when these two immune-mediated conditions overlap and underscores the importance of early detection and collaborative care in managing such rare and serious presentations.

Keywords: anticoagulation; antiphospholipid syndrome (aps); case report; deep venous thrombosis (dvt); iga nephropathy (igan); pulmonary embolism (pe); thrombectomy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Medical Research Center at Hamad Medical Corporation issued approval #MRC-04-25-704. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Color Doppler ultrasound showing deep vein thrombosis in the left common femoral vein.
Color Doppler ultrasound image demonstrating thrombosis (arrow) in the left common femoral vein, consistent with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The absence of flow within the vein and intraluminal echogenic material are characteristic findings. LT CFV: left common femoral vein
Figure 2
Figure 2. PET scan indicating thrombophlebitis of the left external iliac and femoral veins.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan image demonstrating increased radiotracer uptake along the dilated left external iliac and femoral veins (arrow), consistent with thrombophlebitis secondary to venous thrombosis. The localized uptake reflects the inflammatory response associated with the thrombotic process.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Doppler ultrasound revealing deep vein thrombosis of the left superficial femoral vein.
Doppler ultrasound image showing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left superficial femoral vein (arrow), characterized by intraluminal echogenic material and disturbed blood flow. The abnormal Doppler signal pattern indicates impaired venous return due to thrombosis. SFV: superficial femoral vein
Figure 4
Figure 4. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography revealing pulmonary embolism.
Axial view of a computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography image demonstrating a filling defect within the pulmonary artery (arrow), indicative of acute pulmonary embolism. The defect represents an intravascular thrombus obstructing pulmonary blood flow.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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