Aortic aneurysm-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) may result in hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications and is rarely associated with stable abdominal aortic aneurysms. In a retrospective review of our experience over the past 5 years, we identified only two instances of DIC-associated abdominal aortic aneurysms among a total of 67 patients who were operated on for asymptomatic aneurysms. In the first patient with DIC induced by abdominal aortic aneurysm, consumptive coagulopathy and a bleeding diathesis developed. The second patient's course was complicated by consumptive coagulopathy and migrating thrombophlebitis. In both instances coagulopathy resolved after surgical intervention. In this report we briefly discuss the pathogenesis and laboratory diagnosis of aneurysm-associated DIC and review current management strategies.