The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), first described in 1983(1), is now recognised as one of the most common acquired thrombophilia(2). The syndrome is defined by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) [a positive anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) assay and/or lupus anticoagulant (LA)] and a history of either arterial or venous thrombosis and/or recurrent pregnancy loss (Table 1). Some of these patients may also have other features such as mild thrombocytopenia, heart valve disease, cutaneous ulcers, and, most commonly, livedo reticularis. Pulmonary embolism, often multiple and associated with deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary hypertension are potentially life-threatening features of this syndrome.
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