Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia following coronary artery bypass grafting: a diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

The diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a challenge in post-cardiac surgery patients because of the high incidence of non-immune thrombocytopenia and heparin–platelet factor 4 antibodies in these groups. We present a case of HIT in a post coronary artery bypass surgery patient, which was successfully treated with prompt recognition and discontinuation of heparin products.

Keywords

• CABG
• HIT
• heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
• serotonin release assay