Disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with Aspergillus endocarditis: Fatal outcome following heparin therapy

Abstract

A syndrome of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was documented in a patient with postcardiotomy Aspergillus endocarditis. In vitro studies revealed no hemolytic or thromboplastic activity of the fungus, and so local effects of the bulky fungus tumor on the blood are postulated to have caused consumption coagulopathy. Shortly after heparin therapy was initiated, the patient developed signs of acute intracranial hemorrhage and subsequently died. Although anticoagulation has been shown to be of benefit in states of DIC, in some instances such therapy may be hazardous.