Rivaroxaban Related Bilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage: A Rare Complications of Direct Oral Anticoagulants - A Case Reports

Am J Case Rep. 2019 Nov 2:20:1607-1611. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.917780.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Adrenal hemorrhage is an uncommon and under-recognized disorder with a wide array of etiologies ranging from pregnancy to septic shock. It is one of the complications of anticoagulation therapy, including direct anticoagulant medications. CASE REPORT Here, we present a case of a 68-year-old female with recent right knee arthroplasty who was on rivaroxaban for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis presented to the emergency department (ED) for severe acute onset abdominal pain, computed tomography (CT) of abdomen and pelvis revealed possible left adrenal hemorrhage that was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). On repeat CT, her unilateral adrenal hemorrhage converted to a bilateral adrenal hemorrhage (BAH) and, as a result, the patient developed adrenal insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS An undiagnosed and untreated adrenal hemorrhage can have catastrophic consequences, leading to adrenal insufficiency with potential shock and death. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to have an increased awareness and knowledge about adrenal hemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Adrenal Glands / blood supply*
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / etiology*
  • Aged
  • Factor Xa Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Rivaroxaban / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Factor Xa Inhibitors
  • Rivaroxaban