Cutaneous Necrosis Caused by Systemically Administered Heparin

Two cases of cutaneous necrosis occurred that were caused by intravenous administration of porcine heparin for deep venous thrombophlebitis. The lesions grossly resembled those of warfarin sodium-induced skin necrosis. However, histologically, no fibrin thrombi were noted in capillaries and vessels, a characteristic finding in warfarin necrosis. There was no evidence of vasculitis in the lesions. Both patients subsequently received warfarin without complications.