Abstract
BackgroundVaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare but fatal complication of Coronavirus Disease 2019 vaccine. Many reports of VITT have mostly been in the Caucasian population. Here, we present first reported case from an oriental population.Case presentationA 26-year-old female who had severe headache and severe thrombocytopenia 8 days after administration of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca. Although no thrombosis was demonstrated by imaging studies, she had very highly elevated d-dimer level during hospitalization. Serology for antibody against platelet factor 4 was positive on several days with very high optical density readings. Furthermore, we found the antibody could induce spontaneous platelet aggregation without the presence of heparin. We decided to treat her with intravenous immunoglobulin, high-dose dexamethasone, and a prophylactic dose of apixaban. She improved rapidly and was discharged from the hospital 6 days after admission. Neither thrombocytopenia nor thrombosis was subsequently detected at three weeks follow-up.ConclusionsDespite lower rate of thrombosis, VITT can present in Asian population. Early detection and prompt treatment of VITT can improve patients’ clinical outcome. Thromboprophylaxis of non-heparin anticoagulants also results in prevention of clot formation.