[Consumption coagulopathy disclosing prostatic cancer]

Prostate cancer can be complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation. The severity of this complication justifies rapid medical treatment. The authors describe the case of a man in his seventies presenting with disseminated purpuric lesions due to disseminated intravascular coagulation. Prostate cancer was documented concomitantly. The clinical course was rapidly unfavourable despite endocrine therapy and blood transfusions. The mechanism of disseminated intravascular coagulation in prostate cancer has not been clearly elucidated, but appears to be related to release of procoagulant substances during certain diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The severity of the prognosis justifies rapid introduction of endocrine therapy, which is not immediately effective. It can help to achieve a period of remission if the haemorrhagic syndrome is controlled. Further studies may help to improve therapeutic management.