Kasabach-Merritt syndrome arising from a vascular fistula
A 58-year-old woman presented with gum bleeding, hematuria, and cutaneous ecchymoses. Left hip replacement had been performed five years prior. The overall findings of our work-up were consistent with ongoing DIC triggered by the presence of an arterio-venous left femoral fistula. The patient was treated successfully with fresh frozen plasma, the fistula was surgically repaired and a stent was placed. On the second day, bleeding had resolved and laboratory values reverted to normal. This uncommon scenario is reminiscent of the Kasabach –Merritt syndrome and well illustrates that patients with an arterio-venous fistula can sometimes present with atypical features.
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Giuseppe Famularo, Michele Galluzzo, Pierfrancesco Ottaviani, Patrizia Tarsitani Source Type: research