Spontaneous Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Following Orthopedic Surgery

Cureus. 2025 Dec 15;17(12):e99312. doi: 10.7759/cureus.99312. eCollection 2025 Dec.

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life-threatening complication most commonly associated with exposure to heparin. Timely recognition of suspected HIT is vital, as early intervention is associated with improved outcomes and a decreased mortality rate. Spontaneous HIT is a rare form that occurs in the absence of heparin exposure. Here, we report the case of an 83-year-old patient diagnosed with spontaneous HIT after undergoing knee replacement surgery.

Keywords: deep vein thrombosis (dvt); heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (hit); thrombo embolic disease; thrombosis; total joint arthroplasties.

Publication types

  • Case Reports