Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in a patient with polycythemia vera

Abstract

A 75-year-old Japanese woman with polycythemia vera was admitted to our hospital in January 2003 with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism. After administration of heparin, platelet count decreased from 1,694× 109/l on admission to 60×109/l on hospital day 14. The patient developed acute limb embolism and transient cerebral ischemic attack on days 17 and 25, respectively. Signs and symptoms mimicked those of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Antibodies against heparin and platelet factor 4 complexes were detected in serum, and a diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis was made. Argatroban treatment improved thrombocytopenia and hypercoagulable state.