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. CONCLUSION: 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.
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. CONCLUSION: 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.