Angiosarcoma variant of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome

Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is characterized by the occurrence of disseminate d intravascular coagulation (DIC) usually caused by benign angiomatous tumo urs, Here we report the case of a 70-year-old man in whom DIC revealed a lo cally advanced hepatic tumour. Although DIC resolved with heparin, antithro mbin ill, fresh frozen plasma and corticosteroids, the patient died from ha emoperitoneum following a fall, 3 months after the initial observation, His topathological examination by autopsy allowed the diagnosis of hepatic angi osarcoma. The physiopathogenic mechanisms and treatment options are discuss ed. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 13:731-734 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & W ilkins.