A Rare Case of a Large Heparin-Induced Skin Necrosis Requiring Surgical Intervention: a Case Report

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) preparations are commonly administered for the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the UK. Despite their widespread use, incidence of heparin-induced necrosis at the administration site is a relatively rare complication. We present a case of a patient with extensive heparin-induced skin necrosis at the site of subcutaneous injection. Treatment included debridement and split-thickness skin grafting. This case adds to previous case-based examples of such lesions in the literature. It also adds weight to the theory that those with thrombotic disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are at increased risk of developing this rare complication.