Case Report

Warfarin-Induced Skin Necrosis

Authors: Seema Inayatullah, MD, PGY1, Gautam Phadke, MD, PGY3, Leonid Vilenski, MD, Suresh Kumar Pasya, MD, Warren Albrecht, DO

Abstract

There is a lack of guidelines regarding the selection of patients who need intravenous heparin, duration of intravenous heparin, and future use of warfarin in prevention and treatment of warfarin-induced skin necrosis. This case report emphasizes the challenges in dealing with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) therapy.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Chan YC, Valenti D, Mansfield AO, et al. Warfarin induced skin necrosis. Br J Surg 2000;87:266–272.
 
2. Parsi K, Younger I, Gallo J. Warfarin-induced skin necrosis associated with acquired protein C deficiency. Australas J Dermatol 2003;44:57–61.
 
3. Jillella AP, Lutcher CL. Reinstituting warfarin in patients who develop warfarin skin necrosis. Am J Hematol 1996;52:117–119.
 
4. Samama M, Horellou MH, Soria J, et al. Successful progressive anticoagulation in a severe protein C deficiency and previous skin necrosis at the initiation of oral anticoagulant treatment. Thromb Haemost 1984;51:132–133.