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Catastrophic heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis syndrome related to the use of a Port-A-Cath in a breast cancer patient receiving chemotherapy

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Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HIT/T) syndrome is usually triggered by an immune response after repeated administration of heparin. The syndrome is strongly associated with limb deep vein thrombosis and is potentially life-threatening if unrecognized. We describe the case of a patient with compartment syndrome of the left forearm complicated by HIT/T that developed after Port-A-Cath implantation through the left subclavian vein. Prompt recognition of HIT/T, immediate withdrawal of heparin, and timely institution of thrombolytic therapy successfully prevented limb loss.

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  1. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, No. 325 Cheng-Kung Road, Section 2, Neihu 114, Taipei, Taiwan

    Ming-Shen Dai, An-Tie Hsieh & Tsu-Yi Chao

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  1. Ming-Shen Dai
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  2. An-Tie Hsieh
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  3. Tsu-Yi Chao
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Dai, MS., Hsieh, AT. & Chao, TY. Catastrophic heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis syndrome related to the use of a Port-A-Cath in a breast cancer patient receiving chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer 12, 537–539 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-004-0631-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-004-0631-4

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