Subcutaneous injection of heparin calcium controls chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with inoperable dissecting aortic aneurysm in an outpatient clinic.
BACKGROUND
Chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a rare but critical complication of aortic aneurysm, and can represent a difficult long-term management problem. Although surgical correction is the treatment of choice, alternative therapy is required for inoperable patients.


RESULTS
We report herein a case of acute exacerbation of chronic DIC with inoperable dissecting aortic aneurysm, which was recurrent and resistant to regular treatment. Intermittent subcutaneous self-injection of heparin calcium 15,000 units per day achieved stabilization of coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters and relief of the bleeding tendency.


CONCLUSIONS
Subcutaneous heparin injection can be an alternative treatment for long-term management of chronic DIC associated with inoperable aortic dissection, beneficial for providing good symptomatic control on an outpatient basis.
Miyahara
Shoko
S
Cardiovascular Division, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Omiya Medical Center, Saitama.
Yasu
Takanori
T
Yamada
Yoko
Y
Kobayashi
Nobuhiko
N
Saito
Muneyasu
M
Momomura
Shin-ichi
S
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000150:complications*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000150:complications*; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin