UNUSUAL SIDE-EFFECTS DUE TO WARFARIN

Two cases demonstrating unusual side effects of warfarin are described . The first case illustrates the 'purple toes' syndrome, which occurre d as a complication following the use of warfarin for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and stroke. The second case is an example of warf arin-induced vasculitis in a patient with a mechanical valve prosthesi s. He was unable to tolerate warfarin but was successfully managed wit h nicoumalone, a related compound. These complications are rare but po tentially dangerous effects of a commonly used agent, warfarin.