Heart Science Journal
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2025): The Complexity in the Management of Heart Rhythm Disorder

Rapid heparinization as a decisive strategy for acute upper limb ischemia: a case report

Veliawan, Zhafran (Unknown)
Kurnianingsih, Novi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Acute upper limb ischemia is a rare clinical presentation of thromboembolism, mostly known in patients with atrial fibrillation. Both conservative and surgical procedures are available as alternatives to therapy. In this case report, a patient who had been diagnosed with acute upper limb ischemia received immediate heparin administration in order to protect the upper limb and restore its functional capabilities. Case Illustration: A 60-year-old male presented with acute pain and numbness, along with bluishness and a cold sensation in the right hand. He has unrestricted arm mobility. The patient has a medical background of atrial fibrillation for over 11 years. The right hand exhibited reduced peripheral saturation, pulselessness, pain, pallor, and poikilothermy, but neither paresthesia nor paralysis. Duplex ultrasonography showed no detectable blood flow from the right brachial artery up to the distal arteries. However, the vein remained audible. The patient received heparinization immediately. Conclusion: Immediate identification and administration of heparin in instances of acute upper limb ischemia (AULI) are crucial for achieving favorable outcomes and a good prognosis. Continued treatment with anticoagulants is necessary for the therapeutic intervention in order to enhance limb preservation, minimize complications, and ensure patients have an excellent quality of life subsequent to conservative treatment.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

heartscience

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

HEART SCIENCE is the official open access journal of Brawijaya Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia. The journal publishes articles three times per year in January, May, and September. The ...