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Warfarin-induced Venous Limb Gangrene
Sarah Grim Hostetler1, Jennifer Sopkovich, Steven Dean
1Division of Dermatology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology
|December 1, 2012
Summary
Warfarin can cause rare but serious skin complications, including venous limb gangrene. This case highlights gangrene in antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, emphasizing the need for increased awareness.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Warfarin, a common anticoagulant, is linked to adverse cutaneous reactions.
- Warfarin-induced skin necrosis is well-documented, but warfarin-induced venous limb gangrene is less recognized.
- Both conditions share similar pathophysiology but present distinct clinical manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To increase awareness of warfarin-induced venous limb gangrene.
- To report a case of this rare complication in a patient with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
- To review existing literature on warfarin-induced venous limb gangrene.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Literature review of warfarin-induced venous limb gangrene.
- Analysis of patient's presumed antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
Main Results:
- A case of warfarin-induced venous limb gangrene in a patient with presumed antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is presented.
- Literature suggests a higher incidence in patients with cancer or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
- Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is identified as another associated hypercoagulable state.
Conclusions:
- Warfarin-induced venous limb gangrene is a critical, albeit rare, adverse effect of warfarin therapy.
- Recognition is crucial, especially in patients with hypercoagulable states like antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
- Further research and clinical vigilance are needed to understand and manage this complication.
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