Rivaroxaban for arterial thrombosis related to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) may be a critical condition in intensive care patients. Diagnosis of HIT is often difficult, and management too, as physicians have usually a limited experience with alternative anticoagulants. A 36-year-old man was admitted for orthopaedic surgery after a trauma causing a fracture of the sacrum and right ankle. Anticoagulant prophylaxis was made by nadroparin (3800  IU/day). But the patient developed less than 10 days after nadroparin exposure a significant drop in platelet count. The diagnosis of HIT was based on the pretest clinical score and demonstration of platelet factor 4 and heparin antibodies. Fondaparinux was transiently administered but was replaced 3 days later by rivaroxaban (15  mg twice a day during 21 days then 20  mg/day), after the demonstration of an acute thrombosis of the left radial artery. Platelet count returned to normal range and a partial recanalization of arterial thrombosis was noted. The use of rivaroxaban in this indication is of theoretical interest but requires further experience.