Related Experiment Videos
Disseminated coagulopathies and advanced malignancies
S A Fengler1, J L Berenberg, Y T Lee
1General Surgery Service, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii 96859-5000.
The American Surgeon
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Malignancy-associated thrombosis, a rare condition, presents diagnostic challenges and resistance to standard anticoagulation. Early recognition and tailored management are crucial for patients with unexplained coagulopathy and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Idiopathic thrombosis affects 3-15% of patients with various malignancies.
- Coagulopathy is a recognized complication of cancer, often presenting as thrombosis.
Observation:
- Three patients with neoplasia and coagulopathy were observed over two years.
- All presented with thrombophlebitis in multiple sites.
- Diagnosing underlying occult malignancies proved difficult.
Findings:
- Patients exhibited resistance to oral anticoagulation therapy.
- The study highlights the complex interplay between cancer and blood clotting disorders.
Implications:
- Discusses current hypotheses on the pathophysiology of cancer-associated coagulopathy.
- Provides recommendations for managing patients with malignancy and thrombosis.
- Emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing occult cancers in thrombotic patients.