Chronic Thrombotic Microangiopathy Secondary To Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Presenting With Severe Hypertension And Chronic Renal Impairment

A 42-year-old woman was referred from a primary care centre for severe hypertension, stage 3A chronic kidney disease and proteinuria. This was associated with a significant obstetric history of pre-eclampsia during her previous two pregnancies. Secondary hypertension was suspected and autoimmune workup was positive for anticardiolipin IgG and lupus anticoagulant. A renal biopsy showed evidence of chronic thrombotic microangiopathy, with electron microscopy features suggestive of fibrillar glomerulonephritis. The diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome with antiphospholipid-associated nephropathy was made. She was started on anticoagulation with warfarin, and her hypertension was controlled with lisinopril and amlodipine with subsequent improvement in proteinuria. She remains on regular follow-up to monitor for possible development of malignancy or connective tissue disease.