A pain in the foot: a case of anti-phospholipid syndrome

Anti-phospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune condition characterised by antibodies directed against phospholipids. It most commonly manifests with obstetric complications (e.g., recurrent miscarriage) or a predisposition to vascular thromboses. It affects approximately three to four people per 100,000, usually young females. This case report details a male patient who presented with symptoms suggestive of peripheral vascular disease. During the patient’s operation for a femoral-posterior tibial bypass, the consultant vascular surgeon, Mr Daragh Moneley, Beaumont Hospital, made a surprising discovery. A presentation of this case won the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland Council Medal 2008.