Acute severe thrombocytopenia following iodinated radiographic contrast medium infusion: a case report

Acute contrast-induced thrombocytopenia is an unusual complication, and it is a rare event with the use of modern low-osmolarity iodinated contrast medium. There are only a few reports that exist in English literature.

The authors report the case of a 79-year-old male patient with severe, life-threatening thrombocytopenia after administration of intravenous nonionic low-osmolarity contrast medium. His platelet count dropped from 179×10⁹/l to 2×10⁹/l after 1 h of radiocontrast infusion. Which has returned gradually to normal level within days with corticosteroid administration and platelet transfusion.

Iodinated contrast-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare complication with an unknown causative mechanism. There is no definitive treatment for this condition, with corticosteroids being used in most cases. The platelet count normalizes within a few days regardless of any interventions, but supportive treatment is important to avoid any unwanted complications. Further studies are still needed for a better understanding of the exact mechanism of this condition.