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Massive Pulmonary Embolism Following Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Željko Vučičević
Vesna Degoricija
Zrinka Alfirević
Mirella Sharma

Abstract

Immunomediated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia still presents a serious problem, especially when accompanied by thromboembolic complications. We report on a rare case of massive pulmonary embolism following perioperative prophylaxis with unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparin. The lack of efficacious and safe heparin substitution only allowed for immediate heparin discontinuation and application of adjuvant therapy. A few days after heparin cessation the platelet count tended to return to normal, leading to the patient's full recovery and discharge from the hospital. Heparin therapy requires careful examination of previous history of heparin use as well as close platelet monitoring for up to three weeks of therapy cessation.

Keywords

Pulmonary embolism - chemically induced; Thrombocytopenia - chemically induced; Anticoagulants - adverse effects; Heparin - adverse effects

Hrčak ID:

14254

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/14254

Publication date:

1.6.2005.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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