[Cutaneous manifestations in disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome]

The principal cutaneous manifestations indicating the need to seek intravascular coagulation are: purpura fulminans, extensive sheets of purpura, acralcyanosis, gangrene in a plaque distribution and perhaps, acute necrosis of the digits. The biological, anatomo-pathological and immunological signs of the conditions should be detected early and precisely by virtue of its nature as a medical emergency. The diversity of its clinical manifestations would seem to be related to the greater or lesser extent of the coagulopathy and resultant thrombosis in the microcirculation. Purpura, though of variable degree, is the constant cutaneous accompaniment of this condition, which is considered to be the equivalent of the experimental phenomenon of Sanarelli-Schwartzman. Heparin, which blocks the tendency to thrombosis in the small vessels in the treatment of choice, associated when possible with treatment of the underlying aetiology.