title: Splenic rupture complicating periinterventional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist therapy for myocardial infarction in polycythemia vera.
abstract: Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative disorder predisposing to thromboembolic and bleeding complications. We report the case of a patient with polyglobuly, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis, who suffered from acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction due to thrombotic high-grade pre-stent stenosis two months after percutaneous coronary intervention for complex coronary one vessel disease. Following re-PTCA and stent implantation in conjunction with periinterventional GP IIb/IIIa antagonist treatment, the patient was initially symptom free for about two hours before rapidly developing signs of a hemorrhagic shock. An abdominal CT scan showed splenic rupture with massive intraabdominal hemorrhage as a consequence of secondary bleeding into multiple pre-existing splenic infarctions. The patient's condition stabilized after emergency splenectomy. Subsequent bone marrow biopsy revealed the presence of polycythemia vera. Post-operatively, the patient was treated with the anti-platelet agents aspirin and clopidogrel to prevent subacute stent thrombosis. Additionally, cyto-reductive therapy with hydroxyurea was initiated because of a further increase in the platelet count. In patients with polycythemia vera, the indication for treatment with GP IIb/IIIa antagonists should be carefully weighed against the potentially serious bleeding complications. Should treatment be established, a risk stratification using abdominal sonography and bleeding time testing is recommended, while during treatment red blood count, platelet count, coagulation tests, and hemodynamic parameters should be closely monitored.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany. efriedrich@med-in.uni-sb.de
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Friedrich
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kindermann
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Link
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Böhm
mesh_terms: D000077284:Abciximab; D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011087:Polycythemia Vera / Q000150:complications*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012771:Shock, Hemorrhagic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D013156:Splenectomy; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D015607:Stents
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex; D006493:Heparin; D000077284:Abciximab