Report of successful use of argatroban as an alternative anticoagulant during coronary stent implantation in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome.

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome (HITTS) is a severe complication of heparin caused by an antibody response to the heparin-platelet factor 4 complex which results in severe thrombosis. Heparin rechallenge in HITTS patients carries a high risk of inducing thrombosis. Antithrombin agents represent treatment alternatives in HITTS patients who require anticoagulation. We report successful coronary stent implantation in a HITTS patient using the antithrombin agent argatroban.