ABSTRACT

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is characterized by the activation of the extrinsic and intrinsic clotting cascade. There is always an underlying condition such as infection, solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. In this case paper, we present a 53-year-old patient who was admitted to the hospital with the complaint of weariness. Thrombocytopenia, prolongation of the prothrombin time, a low fibrinogen level and enhanced plasma fibrin degradation products were determined, thus, the diagnosis of DIC was established. Endoscopy and gastric biopsy were performed, because of high levels of tumor markers and anemia. Pathological investigation showed the findings of signet ring cell mucinous adenocarcinoma. In this case the cause of DIC was gastric adenocarcinoma. Since gastric adenocarcinoma complicated by DIC has a fatal clinical feature, early diagnosis is of great importance.