Cranberry supplementation as a cause of major intraoperative bleeding during vascular surgery due to aspirin-like platelet inhibition

Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2020 Sep;31(6):402-404. doi: 10.1097/MBC.0000000000000912.

Abstract

We report severe excessive bleeding at initiation of vascular surgery in a 74-year-old woman with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair. After extensive workup, bleeding cause was determined to be an aspirin-like effect from supplemental cranberry intake. After asking the patient to stop cranberry consumption, the aspirin-like effect ceased, and the patient underwent successful thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Cranberry consumption may create an aspirin-like effect that increases risk of bleeding. Providers should be aware of potential adverse effects of cranberries on platelet function and consider inquiring about supplement use in the perioperative period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / surgery
  • Aspirin / adverse effects
  • Blood Loss, Surgical*
  • Dietary Supplements / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Vaccinium macrocarpon / adverse effects*
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Aspirin