Could Frida Kahlo Have Had Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Reumatol Clin (Engl Ed). 2020 Sep 2:S1699-258X(20)30196-0. doi: 10.1016/j.reuma.2020.07.012. Online ahead of print.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Frida Kahlo's medical history shows sequelae of polio, a severe traumatic event that caused multiple fractures and a penetrating pelvic injury, as well as a history of countless surgeries. In her biographical accounts and her works, chronic disabling pain always appears for long periods. Besides, a chronic foot ulcer, gangrene that required amputation of the right leg, a history of abortions, and a positive Wasserman reaction suggest that the artist could have suffered from antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS).

Keywords: Antiphospholipid syndrome; Frida Kahlo; Síndrome antifosfolipídico.