Management of Chronic Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Associated with Aortic Aneurysm/Dissection

Abstract

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a systemic life-threatening process that can cause thrombosis and hemorrhage. Chronic DIC has been associated with aortic aneurysm/dissection. Aortic aneurysm/dissection should be included in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients with hemorrhagic diathesis due to DIC of uncertain etiology. Treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of underlying disease, extent of DIC, and patient comorbidities, as well as the ability of the patient to maintain activities of daily living once discharged from the hospital. This report describes the clinical characteristics of four elderly patients with chronic DIC associated with aortic aneurysm/dissection who were treated in our institution. We also offer the recommendations around most appropriate nonsurgical treatment of these patients.