Case Report: Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in a pediatric patient after percutaneous treatment of aortic re-coarctation

A female patient in middle childhood was diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta at one month of age and underwent a successful cortectomy. At 11 years old, she developed re-coarctation, which was managed through interventional cardiology. Shortly after the procedure, she experienced a sudden and severe clinical decline, presenting with hypoperfusion of the lower extremities, gastrointestinal bleeding, acute kidney injury, and pancreatitis. Multiple thrombotic events were identified, prompting an extensive evaluation for thrombophilia<b>.</b> The patient tested positive for antiphospholipid antibodies and was diagnosed with catastrophic antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (CAPS). An aggressive treatment was initiated, yielding a favorable response following discharge; she made a full recovery and continues to be monitored regularly in cardiology and rheumatology clinics.