Skin Necrosis at the Injection Site Induced by Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin: Case Report and Review

Heparin-induced skin necrosis at the injection site is a rare adverse effect, more commonly associated with standard heparins than with low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) and its mechanism remains unclear. We report a case of LMWH-induced skin necrosis in a female during prophylactic treatment with LMWH after a surgical procedure. Determination of heparin-platelet-factor-4(PF4)-induced antibodies was positive. This case describes the occurrence of LMWH-induced skin necrosis and antibodies to heparin-PF4 complex, suggesting that this effect is more frequent than previously suspected.