Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: case report and literature review. 2011

Mark J Fesler, and Michael H Creer, and John M Richart, and Randall Edgell, and Necat Havlioglu, and Gershom Norfleet, and Salvador Cruz-Flores
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Saint Louis University, 3655 Vista Avenu, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA. mfesler@slu.edu

BACKGROUND Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)-related cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has been described in 10 prior case reports in the English language medical literature. We report the first case of low molecular weight HIT-related CVST with detailed clinical course and novel therapeutic approach. METHODS A 69-year-old woman presented with a focal seizure after total hip replacement. Enoxaparin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis had been initiated 8 days prior to the seizure. RESULTS The patient experienced progressive neurologic deterioration, and MRI and CT angiography were consistent with cerebral sinus thrombosis (CVST). The new onset of thrombocytopenia, thrombosis, and positive heparin ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and SRA (serotonin release assay) assays confirmed HIT. In spite of aggressive management of HIT-related CVST, including argatroban therapy and endovascular mechanical thrombolysis, the patient expired. CONCLUSIONS A review of the previous 10 case reports in the literature confirms that HIT-related CVST is often a fatal condition, particularly when diagnosed in comatose patients. Because the diagnosis is rare and often delayed relative to initial presentation, prevention is the key to improve patient outcomes. Newer anticoagulants with different mechanism of action than heparin are currently under review by the FDA; they will facilitate prevention of HIT-related CVST and other HIT-related neurological complications.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D005260 Female Females
D006495 Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin fractions with a molecular weight usually between 4000 and 6000 kD. These low-molecular-weight fractions are effective antithrombotic agents. Their administration reduces the risk of hemorrhage, they have a longer half-life, and their platelet interactions are reduced in comparison to unfractionated heparin. They also provide an effective prophylaxis against postoperative major pulmonary embolism. LMWH,Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin,Low Molecular Weight Heparin,Heparin, Low Molecular Weight
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000368 Aged A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available. Elderly
D000925 Anticoagulants Agents that prevent BLOOD CLOTTING. Anticoagulant Agent,Anticoagulant Drug,Anticoagulant,Anticoagulant Agents,Anticoagulant Drugs,Anticoagulation Agents,Indirect Thrombin Inhibitors,Agent, Anticoagulant,Agents, Anticoagulant,Agents, Anticoagulation,Drug, Anticoagulant,Drugs, Anticoagulant,Inhibitors, Indirect Thrombin,Thrombin Inhibitors, Indirect
D012851 Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial Formation or presence of a blood clot (THROMBUS) in the CRANIAL SINUSES, large endothelium-lined venous channels situated within the SKULL. Intracranial sinuses, also called cranial venous sinuses, include the superior sagittal, cavernous, lateral, petrous sinuses, and many others. Cranial sinus thrombosis can lead to severe HEADACHE; SEIZURE; and other neurological defects. Cranial Sinus Thrombosis,Intracranial Sinus Thrombophlebitis,Petrous Sinus Thrombosis,Sinus Thrombosis,Venous Sinus Thrombosis, Cranial,Petrous Sinus Thrombophlebitis,Cranial Sinus Thromboses,Intracranial Sinus Thrombophlebitides,Intracranial Sinus Thromboses,Intracranial Sinus Thrombosis,Petrous Sinus Thrombophlebitides,Petrous Sinus Thromboses,Sinus Thrombophlebitides, Intracranial,Sinus Thrombophlebitides, Petrous,Sinus Thrombophlebitis, Intracranial,Sinus Thrombophlebitis, Petrous,Sinus Thromboses,Sinus Thromboses, Cranial,Sinus Thromboses, Intracranial,Sinus Thromboses, Petrous,Sinus Thrombosis, Cranial,Sinus Thrombosis, Petrous,Thrombophlebitides, Intracranial Sinus,Thrombophlebitides, Petrous Sinus,Thrombophlebitis, Intracranial Sinus,Thrombophlebitis, Petrous Sinus,Thromboses, Cranial Sinus,Thromboses, Intracranial Sinus,Thromboses, Petrous Sinus,Thromboses, Sinus,Thrombosis, Cranial Sinus,Thrombosis, Intracranial Sinus,Thrombosis, Petrous Sinus,Thrombosis, Sinus
D013921 Thrombocytopenia A subnormal level of BLOOD PLATELETS. Thrombopenia,Thrombocytopenias,Thrombopenias
D019644 Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip Replacement of the hip joint. Hip Prosthesis Implantation,Hip Replacement, Total,Total Hip Arthroplasty,Arthroplasties, Hip Replacement,Arthroplasties, Replacement, Hip,Arthroplasty, Hip Replacement,Hip Replacement Arthroplasties,Hip Replacement Arthroplasty,Replacement Arthroplasties, Hip,Replacement Arthroplasty, Hip,Replacement, Total Hip,Total Hip Replacement,Arthroplasty, Total Hip,Hip Arthroplasty, Total,Hip Prosthesis Implantations,Implantation, Hip Prosthesis,Prosthesis Implantation, Hip,Total Hip Arthroplasties,Total Hip Replacements

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