Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia thrombosis after cardiac surgery. A case report.
We report a rare case of cerebral infarct resulting in brain death due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia thrombosis (HITT), manifested in the immediate postoperative period following aortic valve replacement in a 46-year-old woman whose only prior exposure to heparin was during catheterization four months prior to surgery. The diagnosis of HITT was suspected after a significant decrease of the platelet count and it was confirmed by a heparin-induced platelet activation assay showing platelet aggregation in the presence of heparin.
Antoniou
T h
Th
Department ofAnesthesia and Surgery, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece.
Stavridis
G
G
Daganou
M
M
Melissari
E
E
Gatzonis
S
S
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D005260:Female; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin