Diffuse intravascular clotting associated with a primary brain tumour

Abstract

SYNoPSIS A case of diffuse intravascular clotting associated with a primary brain tumour (oligodendroglioma) is described. The mechanisms of clotting and subsequent fibrinolytic syndromes are discussed with reference to the literature. On the basis of clinical, laboratory, and postmortem findings the possibility of the induction of diffuse intravascular clotting by primary brain tumours is stressed.

Diffuse Intravascular Coagulation Associated with Brain Tumor Surgery in Children

“…In 1974, Vardi et al [1] described the case of a 19-year-old female with a left temporoparietal oligodendroglioma that had ruptured into the left lateral ventricle. She de veloped DIC and died 4 clays later.…”

“…Of particular interest to pediatric neurosurgery, however, is the association of DIC with head trauma where there is brain tissue destruction [4][5][6][7][8]18] and malignancy, either primary to the brain or metastatic [1][2][3].…”

Disseminated intravascular coagulation and head injury.

“…Preston et al (1974) described three cases, of whom two were due to moderate head injury. Vardi et al (1974) associated DIC with a brain tumour. Defibrination has been reported by Goodnight et al (1974) in a series of brain injured patients.…”

Haemostatic abnormalities in brain tumours

“…It stands to reason therefore, that brain tumours with or without surgical intervention may be associated with altered coagulation. There are some reports of disseminated intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis in association with brain tumours 9-11, 22. A higher incidence of peripheral venous thrombosis has also been shown in patients with intracranial tumours s and following craniotomies ~3.…”