Disseminated intravascular coagulation in autopsy cases. Its incidence and clinicopathologic significance.

In a study of 1729 consecutive autopsies, the histopathologic diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) confirmed by the presence of microthrombi in more than two organs was made in 51 cases. Among them, 38 cases (74.5%) were clinically not suspected of having DIC. Microthrombi were most frequent in the kidneys, followed by the lungs, spleen, adrenals, heart, brain, and liver, in descending order of frequency. Furthermore, a wide variety of visceral lesions was another important histologic feature of DIC. Kidney lesions assumed a position of prime importance, and special attention was given to the high frequency of acute renal failure due to so-called acute tubular necrosis and bilateral renal cortical necrosis. Infections, often associated with shock, and malignancies were the most common underlying causes of DIC. DIC is a frequent, often fatal pathophysiologic condition complicating many disorders. The true incidence of DIC at autopsy may be higher. It should be noted that demonstration of microthrombi and visceral alterations related to intravascular clotting is important for the evaluation of cases suspected of having DIC.