Use of bivalirudin to treat heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in a patient with idiopathic giant-cell myocarditis

Conn Med. 2006 Feb;70(2):69-71.

Abstract

Giant-cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare, idiopathic disorder of young adults with high rates of morbidity and mortality. We describe a unique case of giant cell myocarditis associated with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome (HITTS). Our patient responded to therapy with bivalirudin, but later succumbed to complications from multiorgan failure. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of GCM associated with HITTS, which was treated with bivalirudin (Angiomax; The Medicines Company; Parsippany, NJ).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Giant Cells / pathology*
  • Heparin / adverse effects*
  • Hirudins
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Organ Failure
  • Myocarditis / complications
  • Myocarditis / pathology*
  • Necrosis
  • Peptide Fragments / therapeutic use*
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced
  • Thrombocytopenia / drug therapy*
  • Thrombosis / complications
  • Thrombosis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Hirudins
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Heparin
  • bivalirudin