A case report of acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock caused by catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus myocarditis

BACKGROUND: Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus myocarditis are two rare life-threatening conditions. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case of a 47-year-old woman admitted in profound cardiogenic shock due to catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus myocarditis requiring advanced heart failure therapies, including early mechanical circulatory support. She improved with steroids, immunoglobulins, mycophenolate, and eculizumab. DISCUSSION: This case highlights the importance of early identification of cardiogenic shock secondary to catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus myocarditis, the arrhythmogenic complications of myocarditis, and the subsequent management of the disease progression with mechanical and medical support.