Aortic aneurysms and consumptive coagulopathy.
We describe three cases of consumptive coagulopathy caused by extensive thrombus formation in otherwise 'uncomplicated' aortic aneurysms. These cases demonstrate the importance of performing a coagulation screen in any patient presenting with thrombocytopenia who may have an aortic aneurysm. Effective therapy with low-dose heparin was demonstrated with subsequent haemostasis being maintained with warfarin.
Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK.
P D
PD
Micallef-Eynaud
C A
CA
Ludlam
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000378:metabolism; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000209:etiology; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014859:Warfarin; D005340:Fibrinogen; D006493:Heparin