title: Compressive neuropathy of the brachial plexus and long thoracic nerve: a rare complication of heparin anticoagulation.
abstract: We present a case of a 69-year-old woman who developed brachial plexopathy and long thoracic nerve palsy secondary to compression from a hematoma while receiving heparin therapy for the treatment of a stroke. The patient was treated conservatively with discontinuation of heparin and had complete resolution of her compressive neuropathy. This is the first report of a patient with long thoracic nerve palsy with a brachial plexopathy complicating anticoagulation. We review the literature on hematoma-induced compressive neuropathies and treatment options. Our review concludes by emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment in determining the best therapeutic modality.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Elesber
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Kent
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Jennings
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy; D013900:Thoracic Nerves
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin