An unusual presentation of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the setting of catheter-directed ablation of atrial fibrillation

Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2014 Mar;25(2):188-90. doi: 10.1097/MBC.0000000000000016.

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type 2 is an immune-mediated phenomenon associated with heparin exposure that has the potential to evolve into life-threatening thrombosis if not recognized and treated early. Lack of immediate availability of a confirmatory assay often leaves the diagnosis to the clinician's discretion. Despite a high negative predictive value, the clinical '4Ts' scoring system carries a small but a real risk of missing the diagnosis, especially with atypical presentations. We describe one such case of rapid-onset, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis that developed in the setting of catheter-directed ablation of atrial fibrillation, several months after a brief exposure to low-molecular-weight heparin. The clinical scenario as well as the risk of progressing to catastrophic complications prompted immediate discontinuation of all heparin products and treatment with a direct thrombin inhibitor, despite a low pretest clinical score.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects*
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / adverse effects*
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced*
  • Thrombocytopenia / complications
  • Thrombocytopenia / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight