An unexpected death after low anterior resection due to disseminated intravascular coagulation: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a blood clotting disorder that is characterized by intravascular thrombi formation and exhaustion of platelets and coagulation factors resulting in diffuse hemorrhage and multiple organ dysfunction. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case report of a previously healthy middle-aged patient who was treated by low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma and suddenly went into unexpected circulatory shock on the 7th postoperative day. Despite our resuscitation efforts, he succumbed to the disease. The postmortem examination showed findings consistent with DIC. DISCUSSION: The cause for DIC in this patient may be multifactorial. Sepsis, tumor-related factors and hereditary predisposition may have played a role. The role of blood components in treatment is not fully understood as they may worsen the inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: DIC can be the presenting sign of unrecognized sepsis and it can occur in all surgical patients. Even with prompt treatment, the disease can have a fatal course.