Pulmonary hypertension in antiphospholipid syndrome.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare but life-threatening condition in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients with or without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The definition of PH is based on hemodynamic parameters estimated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC). New evidence suggests that antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in SLE patients increase the risk of PH; however, studies yield conflicting results. Hypotheses regarding the impact of aPL on PH include large vessel and microvascular thrombosis, and endothelial remodeling. Natural history of PH is progressive worsening mainly due to recurrent pulmonary embolism. The management in APS patients includes anticoagulation; patients undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy need to be closely monitored because of an increased risk of thrombotic complications.