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Acute aortic occlusion in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia treated by thrombectomy

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Abstract

Introduction

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome (HITS) is an infrequent complication of heparin anticoagulation.

Case report

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.

Conclusion

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.

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Conflict of interest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Vascular Surgery, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland

    D. Collins, M. A. Moloney & S. J. Sheehan

  2. Department of Vascular Radiology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland

    D. O’Donnell & D. Brophy

Authors
  1. D. Collins
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  2. M. A. Moloney
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  3. D. O’Donnell
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  4. D. Brophy
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  5. S. J. Sheehan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. Collins.

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Collins, D., Moloney, M.A., O’Donnell, D. et al. Acute aortic occlusion in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia treated by thrombectomy. Ir J Med Sci 181, 397–400 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0531-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0531-1

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