The antiphospholipid syndrome may induce non-thrombotic internal jugular vein stenosis: two cases report

BACKGROUND: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is associated with a high incidence of thrombotic events, either arterial thrombosis or venous thrombosis. However, APS-related non-thrombotic venous stenosis is rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION: This study described two cases of young women with APS-related internal jugular vein stenosis (IJVS) and reviewed current literature on this issue, including clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: IJVS is a rather rare complication of APS. Two cases were reported for the first time that high titer of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) might mediate direct vessel wall damage and further induce venous stenosis despite long-term standardized anticoagulation to prevent thrombus formation. Therefore, dynamic monitoring of autoantibodies and concomitant use of anticoagulants and corticosteroids may be necessary to the management of APS and its complications. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-020-02035-1.