Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.
1999 Mar;32(3):307-309.
Warfarin-induced Skin Necrosis After Valve Surgery
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Center, Pundang CHA General Hospital, Pochon CHA University.
- 2Department of General Surgery, Pundang CHA General Hospital, Pochon CHA University. cylimmd@nownuri net
Abstract
- Warfarin-induced skin necrosis is a rare complication caused by transient hypercoagulable state. This state is a result of rapid decline of the protein C activity relative to that of coagulation factor II, IX, and X during initiation of oral anticoagulant therapy. We experienced a case of warfarin-induced skin necrosis involving both breasts in a patient who underwent double valve replacement 1 month before. Warfarin was replaced to a low- molecular weight heparin and the necrotic breast lesion was healed spontaneously. Low-dose warfarin was restarted and gradually increased, after which a low molecular weight heparin discontinued.
