[Morphologic aspects of intravascular disseminated coagulation. Apropos of 100 cases]

The authors report a morphological study of one hundred cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation (D.I.C.) of various origins. In each case laboratory findings demonstrated an authentic consumption coagulopathy. In all cases organ biopsies were performed either in vitro (rarely), or mainly immediately after death or at autopsy. Optic microscopy was performed for all of them (3 stains were chosen: hemalum eosin saffron, Mallory's phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin stain, P.A.S.). For a smaller number of cases ultrastructural microscopy and immunofluorescence were performed. As far as microscopic findings are concerned, the authors insist particularly upon intravascular microthrombi (fibrinous type and hyalin type). Haemorrhages and particularly necrosis, because of multiple origin, are not detailed. The repartition of these microthrombi is particularly detailed (in connection with the different organs, etiologies, clinical and/or biological findings, treatments). A review of literature is reported.