Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Diabetic Ketoacidosis – Rare but Dangerous

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Ketoacidosis are known prothrombotic disorders. As a result, there is a potential risk of developing Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. In this case study, we present an 84-year-old male with a history of uncontrolled insulin dependent diabetes that progresses to Diabetic Ketoacidosis and subsequent Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. Physical examination, laboratory studies and imaging could not elucidate another possible cause for the patient’s Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. As of the time of this writing, there are few studies that have been performed to analyze the link between Diabetes/Diabetic Ketoacidosis and the development of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. We believe that further study into this possible connection should be performed in the future.