Pentosan polysulfate-induced thrombocytopenia: a case diagnosed with an ELISA test used for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

We report a patient who developed severe thrombocytopenia and ischemic stroke following pentosan polysulfate treatment. An ELISA test employed in type-II heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was highly positive. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which this test has been performed in a pentosan polysulfate-induced thrombocytopenia (PIT). Our data suggest that the antibody against pentosan polysulfate-platelet complex also cross-reacts with heparin-platelet factor 4 complex. Due to its greater sensitivity and wider availability, this ELISA test should be used in cases where PIT is suspected.