Ricard Cervera

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by venous and arterial thromboses as well as obstetric morbidity, in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), namely lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and/or antibodies directed against various proteins, mainly 2 glycoprotein I (2GPI) (Box 1). Among the spectrum of thrombotic disorders associated with APS, deep vein thrombosis is the most frequently reported venous thrombotic manifestation, whereas cerebrovascular accidents are the most common arterial thrombotic manifestations.