Massive pulmonary embolism disclosing thrombocytopenia induced by low molecular weight heparin. Therapeutic success of prostacyclin
Metz, D.; N'Guyen, P.; Chapoutot, L.; Graciet, J.; Taupin, J.M.; Grentzinger, A.; Elaerts, J.; Bajolet, A.
Annales de Cardiologie et d'Angeiologie 40(10): 619-621
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3928 PMID: 1723582 Document Number: 382381
The authors report a case of massive pulmonary embolism revealing thrombocytopenia induced by a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) initially proposed for the treatment of superficial phlebitis. The diagnosis was confirmed by in vitro aggregation tests and a fall in the platelet count when the LMWH was reintroduced. The outcome was clinically, angiographically and hematologically satisfactory in response to in situ treatment with prostaglandin, subsequently replaced by Vitamin K antagonists.