Fatal disseminated intravascular coagulation after peritoneovenous shunt for intractable ascites.

Peritoneovenous shunt for intractable ascites was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation, which resulted in the death of the patient. Attention is called to this potentially serious complication. The cause of disseminated intravascular coagulation occurring after peritoneovenous shunt is uncertain. Patients at risk for this complication need to be identified if this shunt is being considered.