Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia following pancreatectomy and islet auto-transplantation.

We report the case of a female with chronic pancreatitis who underwent multiple surgical procedures leading to total resection of the pancreas with successful islet auto-transplantation. Postoperatively, she developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Heparinization prior to islet infusion is currently recommended to prevent portal vein thrombosis. Antibodies against heparin are not standard pre-operative testing for islet transplantation. Timely screening for heparin-dependent anti-platelet antibody should be kept in consideration for elective surgical cases (especially following previous surgeries) including pancreatic islet allo- and auto-transplantation.