Etymed
disseminated intravascular coagulation
Definition
A serious medical condition where blood clotting occurs throughout the body's blood vessels, leading to widespread clot formation and subsequent bleeding
Clinical context
A 68-year-old patient with sepsis presents with petechiae, ecchymoses, and bleeding from IV sites. Laboratory studies reveal prolonged PT/PTT, decreased platelets, and elevated fibrin degradation products. This patient has developed disseminated intravascular coagulation as a complication of severe sepsis.
Mnemonic
DIC = 'Disseminated Infection Coagulation' - think of widespread clotting and bleeding happening simultaneously
These morphemes also unlock…
- dis- — apart; away from
- semin- — seed; scatter
- ate — to make; cause to be
- intra- — within
- vas — vessel
- coagul- — clotting
- ation — action; process