A probable case of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: Should high-dose steroids be given in the setting of polymicrobial sepsis?

In this clinical vignette, we present a case of a 59-year-old woman with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome likely triggered by polymicrobial sepsis. The diagnostic criteria and clinical manifestations of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome are reviewed. We also compare diagnostic criteria and clinical manifestations with other clinical entities in the differential diagnosis, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic-uremic syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, sepsis, and inflammatory bowel disease.