Acute thrombocytopenia: An uncommon complication occurring following transarterial chemoembolization in a patient with neuroendocrine hepatic metastases

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumors are a group of carcinomas that secrete various polypeptides with hormonal activity. A significant percentage of patients already have hepatic metastases at the time of initial diagnosis, and 80-90% of these tumors are inoperable at the time of presentation. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the preferred approach for the management of neuroendocrine hepatic metastases. Although the technique is relatively safe, it is associated with several complications. The present study reported the case of a patient with neuroendocrine hepatic metastases who developed acute thrombocytopenia following TACE. To the best of our knowledge, acute thrombocytopenia occurring after TACE in a patient with neuroendocrine hepatic metastases has not been previously reported. In the present study, the hypothetical etiopathogenetic mechanisms were also discussed.

Keywords: liver; metastases; neuroendocrine; transarterial chemoembolization.

Figure 1.

Temporal correlation between development of immune thrombocytopenia and transarterial chemoembolization.