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Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia presenting as acute aortic mural thrombosis.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

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Authors

Bienz, Maya Joanne 
Obrocki, Pawel 
Russell, James 
Mendichovszky, Iosif Alexandru 

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT) is a life and limb-threatening acquired autoimmune complication of heparin-based treatment, characterised by thrombocytopaenia and thrombosis. We present a case of a 77-year-old female with concomitant metastatic ovarian and breast cancer who presented to our institution with worsening shortness of breath. She had been diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism 1 month earlier that was treated with therapeutic low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). In view of her worsening symptoms, CT imaging was performed. This demonstrated significant progression of the bilateral pulmonary emboli and new mural thrombosis of the thoracic aorta, despite being compliant with therapeutic anticoagulation. She had also developed thrombocytopaenia since commencing LMWH, which raised the clinical suspicion of HIT syndrome. The HIT pre-test probability score was intermediate and LMWH was immediately discontinued pending further investigation. She was commenced on rivaroxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant, and her platelet count soon recovered. Laboratory testing was strongly positive on both immunological and functional assays, thus confirming a diagnosis of HIT syndrome. A repeat CT scan 3 weeks later showed a reduction in the overall thrombus load. Whilst venous thrombosis is observed in as many as half of patients with HIT, arterial thrombosis is a far less common event. Furthermore, arterial involvement usually affects the distal vessels with significant atherosclerotic burden and typically presents as acute limb ischaemia or ischaemic stroke. Aortic thrombosis, as in this case, is a rare complication of HIT syndrome.

Description

Keywords

1102 Cardiorespiratory Medicine and Haematology, Clinical, Clinical Medicine and Science, Lung, Rare Diseases, Cardiovascular, Hematology, Clinical Research, Cardiovascular

Journal Title

BJR Case Rep

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2055-7159
2055-7159

Volume Title

5

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)