Rivaroxaban in treatment refractory heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Following orthopaedic surgery, a 56-year-old woman developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), complicated by extensive proximal deep vein thrombosis. The patient did not respond to multiple conventional therapies; however, a prompt treatment response occurred after starting rivaroxaban at standard dosing. This case represents the first documentation of efficacy for rivaroxaban in the setting of treatment refractory HIT and strengthens the limited existing evidence for this agent in HIT.