Management of immune thrombocytic purpura and acute coronary syndrome: A double-edged sword!

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Intracranial Stenting

Patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) presenting with indications for dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) can be difficult to manage due to the precarious balance of managing the need for increased platelet counts as well as inhibition of platelet activity. This case represents a 65 year old woman with ITP who presented with a bilateral subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to a left ophthalmic aneurysm that required placement of a pipeline embolization device (PED) necessitating DAPT. After treatment of her ITP with pulse dexamethasone for four days, she was safely discharged on one month of DAPT with aspirin and ticagrelor then switched to aspirin monotherapy without any immediate complications. During her period of DAPT, she did not receive additional medical treatment for her ITP. This case successfully presents a high-risk ITP patient requiring DAPT for a neurosurgical procedure and illustrates that these patients can be safely and successfully treated with DAPT once their ITP is stabilized.

Invasive management of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in a patient with severe thrombocytopenia secondary to adult-onset immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Managing patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and thrombocytopenia is challenging when they present with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). They are at high risk of thrombotic events; however, antiplatelet medications may further lower the platelet count and predispose them to significant bleeding events, especially if undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We present a case of a man in his 70s, previously diagnosed with adult-onset ITP, admitted with ACS and severe thrombocytopenia. He was treated with a single antiplatelet and commenced on high-dose steroids. Once platelet levels had improved, he was started on second antiplatelet and underwent successful PCI with drug-eluting stent. He was safely discharged with dual antiplatelets for 1 month and then lifelong clopidogrel without any immediate complications. Our case shows that such patients, if stable, can be safely and successfully treated with steroids to improve platelet count before proceeding to invasive management and dual antiplatelet medications.

Management of acute myocardial infarction in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, the value of optical coherence tomography: a case report

BACKGROUND

Treating myocardial infarction in the setting of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is always a challenge especially if the platelet count is labile. Cardiologists dealing with such patients should keep a delicate balance between thrombotic and bleeding complications.

CASE SUMMARY

A 50-year-old gentleman with treatment-challenging ITP presented with acute inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction after receiving recent intravenous immunoglobulin. Using optical coherence tomography (OCT) guidance, it was decided to treat him with percutaneous old balloon angioplasty especially with the labile nature of his platelet count. Subsequently, dual antiplatelet therapy was a challenge and he remained on clopidogrel for a period of only 10 weeks.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the rare presentation of patients with ITP with thrombotic complications and the usefulness of OCT in formulating a management plan.