Acute aortic occlusion in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia treated by thrombectomy.
BACKGROUND
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome (HITS) is an infrequent complication of heparin anticoagulation.


METHODS
We present the case of a 44-year-old male who was admitted with acute ischaemia of his right lower limb. He was initially treated with unfractionated heparin and thrombolysis, but subsequently developed acute aortic thrombosis 8 days following initiation of heparin therapy. This was treated with bilateral per-femoral thrombectomy with curative result.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report draws the attention of surgeons to the difficulties in diagnosing HITS and highlights the multidisciplinary management of a complicated case of acute ischaemia.
Collins
D
D
Department of Vascular Surgery, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland. daniellecol@gmail.com
Moloney
M A
MA
O'Donnell
D
D
Brophy
D
D
Sheehan
S J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001011:Aorta; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin