Hallux partial necrosis associated with antiphospholipid syndrome: the importance of early accurate diagnosis

Abstract

This study highlights the importance of having a high clinical suspicion of hypercoagulopathy such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in podiatric patients with normal foot pulses and normal standard coagulation tests. APS is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by inflammatory thrombosis in the arteries and veins and obstetric complications such as pregnancy loss. APS usually affects vessels of the lower extremities. We report herein the case of a 46-year-old woman with previous episodes of pre-eclampsia who suffered from partial ischemic necrosis of the hallux of the left foot. After several ischemic episodes of the hallux, with increased risk of toe amputation, the patient was finally diagnosed with APS and treated with specific anticoagulant medication. The patient’s symptoms subsided, and toe amputation was prevented. Early accurate diagnosis and appropriate clinical management are critical to providing optimal outcomes and reducing the risk of amputation.