Warfarin necrosis
J. T. McKnight, A. J. Maxwell and R. L. Anderson
Department of Family Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue necrosis is a rare complication of warfarin
therapy. Although the incidence is low, with increased use of warfarin
family physicians need to be aware of this potentially catastrophic event.
This article reviews the history of warfarin necrosis and discusses its
clinical presentation. The histologic findings with necrosed lesions are
described, with emphasis on the possible pathogenesis of this disorder.
Treatment options based on existing clinical experience as outlined in the
literature are discussed.
