Differential Diagnosis for DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation)
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Sepsis: This is often the most common cause of DIC, especially in a hospital setting. Sepsis leads to the activation of the coagulation cascade, resulting in the formation of microthrombi throughout the body, which consumes platelets and clotting factors, leading to bleeding.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Trauma: Severe trauma, especially when it involves significant tissue injury, can trigger DIC by releasing tissue factor into the bloodstream, initiating the coagulation cascade.
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, particularly those that are metastatic or involve the hematopoietic system (like acute promyelocytic leukemia), can increase the risk of developing DIC.
- Obstetric Complications: Conditions such as placental abruption, amniotic fluid embolism, or retained dead fetus can lead to DIC.
- Severe Infections: Infections other than sepsis, such as meningitis or pneumonia, can also trigger DIC, especially if they are severe and cause significant systemic inflammation.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aortic Aneurysm or Aortic Dissection: Although less common, these conditions can lead to DIC due to the exposure of blood to the collagen in the wall of the aorta, activating the coagulation cascade.
- Severe Burns: Extensive burns can trigger DIC due to the release of tissue factors and the systemic inflammatory response.
- Snake Bites: Certain snake venoms can directly activate the coagulation cascade, leading to DIC.
- Heat Stroke: Severe heat stroke can cause DIC through a combination of direct heat injury to tissues and the systemic inflammatory response.
Rare Diagnoses
- Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): A rare blood disorder characterized by the formation of blood clots in small blood vessels throughout the body, which can consume platelets and clotting factors, leading to a picture similar to DIC.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Similar to TTP, HUS involves the formation of microthrombi in small blood vessels but is more commonly associated with renal failure and hemolytic anemia.
- Giant Hemangioma (Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome): A rare condition where a large hemangioma consumes platelets and clotting factors, leading to DIC.
- Pancreatitis: Severe pancreatitis can rarely lead to DIC, possibly due to the release of pancreatic enzymes into the bloodstream, which can activate the coagulation cascade.