Cerebral Infarction and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation With Pheochromocytoma

Abstract

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a secondary phenomenon in many pathophysiologic states.¹ We describe a patient with DIC, cerebral infarction, and hemorrhage secondary to a malignant pheochromocytoma. REPORT OF A CASE A 54-year-old woman was transferred to Jackson (Fla) Memorial Hospital, because of a left-sided hemiparesis and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Two months before admission, she was seen at another hospital because of right homonymous hemianopsia and right-sided hemiparesis of sudden onset. The diagnosis of factor VIII deficiency was made; her condition improved after treatment with phytonadione and she was discharged. Two days before admission to Jackson Memorial Hospital, she fell; weakness of the left side was noted. Her blood pressure (BP) was 140/100 mm Hg and the pulse rate was 140 beats per minute. There were numerous ecchymoses of the skin. The patient was stuporous; she had a left-sided hemiplegia and Babinski's sign on both sides. The hemoglobin value