title: Catastrophic heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis syndrome related to the use of a Port-A-Cath in a breast cancer patient receiving chemotherapy.
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HIT/T) syndrome is usually triggered by an immune response after repeated administration of heparin. The syndrome is strongly associated with limb deep vein thrombosis and is potentially life-threatening if unrecognized. We describe the case of a patient with compartment syndrome of the left forearm complicated by HIT/T that developed after Port-A-Cath implantation through the left subclavian vein. Prompt recognition of HIT/T, immediate withdrawal of heparin, and timely institution of thrombolytic therapy successfully prevented limb loss.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, No. 325 Cheng-Kung Road, Section 2, Neihu 114, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ming-Shen
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Dai
authors.forename: An-Tie
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Tsu-Yi
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Chao
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D013577:Syndrome; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin