Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) causing pulmonary emboli during coronary intervention

Thrombotic complications of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can be devastating if not recognized and treated promptly. We describe an unusual case of rapid‐onset HIT resulting in massive‐bilateral pulmonary emboli in a 70 year‐old man who developed chest pain during elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The diagnosis was made the following day after persistent chest pain and laboratory work demonstrating a new thrombocytopenia, a mildly elevated troponin, and positive DIC panel led to confirmatory imaging tests. HIT‐related thrombosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chest pain in patients undergoing PCI. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.