Intravascular Coagulation
Also written as DIC.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation is characterised by all of the following except:
What our notes say
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation is characterised by all of the following except: (Internal Medicine (MBIM 4100) special/supplementary exam, Paper Two: 14 August 2)
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a paradoxical condition caused by systemic coagulation activation, simultaneously leading to microthrombotic tissue ischemia and a severe bleeding diathesis due to consumptive coagulopathy. (Hematologic Malignancies and Bleeding Disorders)
- Others: disseminated intravascular coagulation, paralytic ileus, and gastrointestinal bleeding. (Internal Medicine CAT 1 (MBChB 4), 2022: liver, pancreas and bone marrow, 30 MCQ)
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) — consumption of platelets and coagulation factors (Haematopathology MCQs: Blood Disorders & Anemia Explained)
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) — treat the underlying cause (cancer) and replace with FFP, cryoprecipitate, and platelets (Haematopathology MCQs: Blood Disorders & Anemia Explained)
- In disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the paradox of bleeding and clotting occurs because: (Pathology CAT 1: Cell Injury, Metaplasia & Hypoxia Q&A)
Study material on Intravascular Coagulation
Practice questions on Intravascular Coagulation
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) laboratory profile includes
- High fibrinogen, low D-dimer, prolonged PT
- Low fibrinogen, high D-dimer, prolonged PT and APTT, thrombocytopaenia
- Normal PT, elevated fibrinogen, high platelets
- Isolated thrombocytopaenia with normal coagulation
Answer: B. Systemic clotting consumes fibrinogen, factors, and platelets while fibrinolysis elevates D-dimers; both PT and APTT are prolonged. ---
In acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), which coagulation abnormality is most characteristic of disseminated intravascular coagulation?
- Elevated fibrinogen
- Decreased fibrinogen
- Shortened prothrombin time
- Thrombocytosis
Answer: B. APL blasts release procoagulant material that triggers consumptive coagulopathy, consuming fibrinogen and clotting factors while raising D-dimer.