Acute adrenal insufficiency associated with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

• Published in: Acta clinica belgica (English ed. Online) Vol. 63; no. 2; p. 112
• Main Authors: Poulain, G, Lamberto, C, Coche, E, Hainaut, Ph, Lambert, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.03.2008
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Adrenal Insufficiency - diagnosis; Adrenal Insufficiency - etiology; Aged, 80 and over; Anticoagulants - adverse effects; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heparin - adverse effects; Humans; Thrombocytopenia - chemically induced; Thrombocytopenia - complications; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 1784-3286
• DOI: 10.1179/acb.2008.63.2.010

Although the thrombotic risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT) is well recognized and may affect any vascular bed, the involvement of adrenal veins has been less commonly described. We report the case of a 86-year-old woman who developed bilateral massive adrenal haematoma associated with HIT, resulting in acute adrenal insufficiency. After immediate discontinuation of heparin and starting therapy with danaparoid and hydrocortisone, the clinical evolution was favourable, although adrenal failure was irreversible. When abdominal pain, hypotension and fever occur during heparin therapy, associated with a drop in platelet count, acute adrenal insufficiency secondary to HIT should be considered, as early diagnosis is essential for the treatment of this life-threatening complication.