Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and endovascular procedures: report of two cases

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a transient disorder caused by platelet-activating antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4)-heparin complexes. Clinically it translates into arterial or venous thrombosis and carries high morbidity and mortality. The use of large doses of heparin during endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm could increase the incidence of HIT. We report two cases associating the use of heparin during endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm with the development of HIT