Rare presentation of enoxaparin-induced skin necrosis in a postoperative patient

Abstract

Enoxaparin-induced skin necrosis is a rare complication of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) therapy. We describe a woman in her 50s who developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thrombocytopenia and necrotic skin lesions after initiation of enoxaparin for DVT prophylaxis. Despite high clinical suspicion of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome and a positive heparin–platelet factor 4 antibody, heparin serotonin assay was negative. This case emphasises the importance for clinical vigilance regarding complications to LMWH therapy.