title: Bilateral adrenal haemorrhage: a cause of haemodynamic collapse in heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia.
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT) is a life-threatening complication of exposure to heparin. It is mediated by autoantibodies to platelet factor-4 causing platelet activation, destruction and thrombosis. Given their rich arterial supply and a single central vein, the adrenal glands are particularly susceptible to congestive haemorrhage following venous thrombosis. We report a case of bilateral adrenal haemorrhage (BAH) associated with HIT following prophylactic use of unfractionated heparin for venous thromboembolism causing adrenal insufficiency. BAH is a life-threatening paradoxical complication associated with HIT, a prothrombotic state. The resulting adrenal insufficiency can lead to haemodynamic collapse if unrecognised. Early diagnosis, in the wake of vague symptoms, and prompt treatment primarily aimed at repletion of glucocorticoids and close monitoring of enlarging haemorrhage is of utmost importance. Likewise, early identification of HIT is important to prevent potential complications including adrenal haemorrhage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Presence St Joseph Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Nasir
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saleem
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Presence St Joseph Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Mahjabeen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Presence St Joseph Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Sanober
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parveen
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Presence St Joseph Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Arvind
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Balavenkatraman
mesh_terms: D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology*; D000368:Aged; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin; D006854:Hydrocortisone