No abstract

We report the case of a 48-year-old man followed since 2013 for primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) revealed by venous thromboembolism in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (APL-Abs, anticardiolipin and anti-β-2-glycoprotein-1), who decompensated in the course of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Despite efficient anticoagulation, he suffered bilateral adrenal glands hemorrhage and limb arterial ischemia. The tropism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 for endothelium can lead to microangiopathy and increased risk for thrombosis. If APL-Abs positivity can be an epiphenomenon under inflammatory and prothrombotic conditions, COVID-19 was herein responsible for disseminated thrombosis and a threat of catastrophic APLS, despite efficient anticoagulation.

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection that can occur under anti-TNFα therapy. The environmental exposure to Cryptococcus spp. (in particular in chicken manure) is a source of contamination. Avoiding exposition to bird manure should be a recommendation for patients who are living in rural areas.