Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia Presenting With Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Successfully Treated With Rivaroxaban: Clinical Case Report and Review of Current Experiences

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2016 Nov;68(5):391-394. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000000421.

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life or limb-threatening thrombotic thrombocytopenia. HIT is traditionally treated with factor-IIa inhibitors such as bivalirudin, lepirudin, or argatroban. However, these agents usually require parenteral administration and are not generally available in all countries. Recently, several experiences with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) administration to treat HIT had been reported. NOACs generally offer advantages such as consistent and predictable anticoagulation, oral administration with good patient compliance, and a good safety profile. We report a case of HIT with severe thrombotic complications successfully treated with rivaroxaban and discuss the current knowledge about the use of NOACs for the treatment of this potentially fatal thrombocytopenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Factor Xa Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Heparin / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy*
  • Rivaroxaban / therapeutic use*
  • Thrombocytopenia / complications
  • Thrombocytopenia / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombocytopenia / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Venous Thrombosis / complications
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Factor Xa Inhibitors
  • Heparin
  • Rivaroxaban