title: Lingual hematoma and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: a case report.
abstract: Lingual hematoma is a rare but potentially fatal cause of upper airway obstruction. Patients receiving anticoagulants such as heparin can suffer from significant complications of these medications. Not only does heparin exert effects directly on the coagulation cascade, but it has the potential to cause thrombocytopenia by stimulating formation of antibodies against platelets. We present the case of a patient being treated with heparin for a deep-vein thrombosis, who subsequently developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and lingual hematoma, necessitating tracheotomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, Chicago, USA. gsgetnick@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Geoffrey S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Getnick
authors.forename: Samuel J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Joseph R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Raviv
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Kenneth W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Altman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014059:Tongue / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014060:Tongue Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D014140:Tracheotomy; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin