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Updated: Oct 7, 2025
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Platelet Adhesion and Aggregation Under Flow using Microfluidic Flow Cells
Published on: October 27, 2009
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Platelet Anti-Aggregator Drowns the Heart
Muhammad Umer Siddiqui1, Muhammad Danial Siddiqui2, Saad Hameed3
1Department of Medicine, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
Summary
Anagrelide, used for essential thrombocytosis, can rarely cause pericardial effusion. This case highlights the importance of monitoring patients for this serious adverse effect, especially those with shortness of breath.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anagrelide is a key treatment for essential thrombocytosis when other therapies fail.
- Known adverse effects include palpitations, liver toxicity, renal failure, and rarely, pericardial effusion.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old male with essential thrombocytosis developed dyspnea on anagrelide therapy.
- Clinical examination revealed muffled heart sounds, and investigations showed hyperkalemia and transaminitis.
- Transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed a moderate pericardial effusion.
Findings:
- The pericardial effusion and transaminitis were attributed to anagrelide toxicity after excluding other causes.
- The patient underwent pericardiocentesis, and anagrelide was discontinued.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for anagrelide to induce serious adverse events like pericardial effusion.
- Close monitoring of liver enzymes and echocardiograms in patients with shortness of breath on anagrelide is recommended.
- Further research into the mechanisms of anagrelide-induced adverse drug reactions is warranted.
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