# Spontaneous Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Following Orthopedic Surgery

## TL;DR

This paper presents a rare case of spontaneous HIT in an elderly patient after knee replacement surgery, without prior heparin exposure.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in reporting a rare occurrence of spontaneous HIT following orthopedic surgery without heparin exposure.

## Key findings

- An 83-year-old patient developed HIT after knee replacement surgery without prior heparin exposure.
- The case highlights the importance of considering spontaneous HIT in postoperative patients with unexplained thrombocytopenia.

## Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life-threatening complication most commonly associated with exposure to heparin. Timely recognition of suspected HIT is vital, as early intervention is associated with improved outcomes and a decreased mortality rate. Spontaneous HIT is a rare form that occurs in the absence of heparin exposure. Here, we report the case of an 83-year-old patient diagnosed with spontaneous HIT after undergoing knee replacement surgery.