title: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia associated with bilateral adrenal hemorrhage after coronary artery bypass surgery.
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a well-recognized syndrome associated with thrombosis and multiple potential clinical sequelae. We report a case of bilateral adrenal hemorrhage, a known but rare complication of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia complicating a routine coronary artery bypass surgery. Thrombocytopenia, abdominal pain, and signs of adrenal insufficiency in the context of heparin treatment should raise suspicion of this unusual complication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Faisal G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Bakaeen
authors.forename: Jon-Cecil M
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Walkes
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Reardon
mesh_terms: D000307:Adrenal Gland Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin