[Successful lysis of iliofemoral and inferior vena cava thrombi in heparin-induced type-II thrombocytopenia].

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS

After 10 days of intravenous heparin treatment of a 25-year-old woman with recurrent pulmonary emboli, thrombocytopenia occurred with a platelet drop from 1.52 x 10(5)/microliter to 3.6 x 10(4)/microliter. Heparin-induced platelet activation assays confirmed the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The detected heparin-dependent antibodies exhibited in vitro cross-reactivity with low-molecular-weight heparins, but not with danaparoid.

TREATMENT AND COURSE

After heparin was stopped and platelet counts were normal, a massive thrombosis of the iliofemoral veins and the inferior vena cava occurred. Under protection of a temporary vena cava filter, systemic anticoagulation with danaparoid (anti-factor Xa-activity 0.4-0.8 U/ml) and transcatheter thrombolysis with urokinase (70,000 U/h) was initiated. Within 8 days of treatment a complete recanalisation of the occluded iliofemoral and caval veins was achieved. Oral anticoagulation with phenprocoumon was started and the patient has since then been free of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The case demonstrates successful treatment of massive iliofemoral and caval thrombosis in the HIT syndrome achieved by combined transcatheter administration of urokinase and systemic infusion of danaparoid.