Trousseau's syndrome

Trousseau's syndrome remains a widely unrecognized and untreated complication of cancer. The clinical spectrum of the coagulopathy extends from uncomplicated superficial thrombophlebitis to life threatening DIC. Due to the absence of specific biochemical markers associated with the hypercoagulable state, this diagnosis is often overlooked. Initial intravenous heparin followed by the chronic administration of subcutaneous heparin will usually prevent thromboembolic recurrence.