Changes in the blood coagulation system associated with septicemia following open-heart surgery- (a review and case report)

Abstract

A rare case of diffuse intravascular clotting (DIC) complicat­ing Gram negative bacterial endocarditis following aortic valve replacement is reported. The clinical and pathological findings are presented. The blood coagulation studies are described in detail and which indicated extensive in vivo clotting. Histological exam­ination of the kidneys however, failed to reveal the presence of fibrin. The literature on the subject of DIC following septicemia is reviewed. The value of the use of heparin in such patients is discussed.