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Restoration of adrenal function after bilateral adrenal damage due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT): a case
Jaafar Jaafar1, Françoise Boehlen2, Jacques Philippe3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland. jaafar.jaafar@hcuge.ch.
Introduction:
Patients with bilateral adrenal damage due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia usually need lifelong steroid substitution. So far, no data exists about the natural evolution of such a condition, especially about adrenal function recovery and the real need for lifelong steroids.
Case Presentation:
An 81-year-old Caucasian woman with bilateral adrenal damage due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia presented with fever and severe hypotension. Adrenal failure was confirmed biologically and radiologically. She eventually recovered her adrenal function, allowing for steroid withdrawal.
Conclusions:
This case report addresses the different mechanisms of adrenal damage due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and its natural evolution with potential recovery. This should encourage clinicians to evaluate the real necessity for lifelong corticosteroid substitution in such a condition.
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