title: Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage associated with heparin induced thrombocytopenia.
abstract: Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is associated with serious and sometimes devastating thrombotic events. We report a case of bilateral adrenal hemorrhage (BAH) associated with HIT after prophylactic use of low molecular weight heparin. The vague presenting symptoms of acute adrenal insufficiency offers a diagnostic challenge, which if delayed may be life threatening. A high index of suspicion for adrenal hemorrhage is required in patients receiving any form of heparin therapy presenting with new onset thrombocytopenia, abdominal pain, and fevers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York.
authors.forename: Leon E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Kurtz
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D000307:Adrenal Gland Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight