Ticagrelor-Induced False-Negative Serotonin Release Assay in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia With Stent Thrombosis

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT) is a prothrombotic complication of heparin, and diagnosis requires confirmatory testing with serotonin release assay (SRA).

A 72-year-old man with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction managed with drug-eluting stents and ticagrelor developed moderate-to-severe thrombocytopenia with multiterritory thrombosis (stent and extremity thrombosis). Two SRAs performed at separate intervals were negative. Ticagrelor was replaced with prasugrel, after which the SRA results became positive, confirming the suspicion of ticagrelor-induced false-negative SRA. Despite early initiation of bivalirudin and supportive measures, he developed multiorgan failure.

This case highlights a diagnostic pitfall of the SRA in patients treated with ticagrelor, underscoring the need for heightened clinical awareness and alternative diagnostic strategies.

Clinicians should consider antiplatelet-related assay interference when evaluating suspected HITT to avoid delayed diagnosis and improve outcomes.