Distribution patterns of microthrombi in disseminated intravascular coagulation

Distribution of microthrombi in 37 autopsy cases of untreated disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was studied histologically. According to the organs predominantly involved, four patterns of distribution were distinguished: hepatic, hepatorenal, renal, and undetermined. The results suggested that these patterns indicated the course of DIC and the function of Kupffer's cells in the liver, whose role in the course of DIC was evaluated.