heparin necrosis

An irregular, but sharply demarcated area of hemorrhagic infarction at the site of heparin administraation Pathology: 1) associated with blood vessel thrombosis at distal skin sites 2) may also occur in other organs Laboratory: 1) coagulation studies, fibrinogen & fibrin split products generally within normal limits 2) platelet count shows thrombocytopenia

References

Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Common & Serious Diseases, 3rd ed, Fitzpatrick et al, McGraw Hill, NY, 1997, pg 603