Multifocal Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma Complicated with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Abstract

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignant vascular neoplasm that requires long-term management. Several reports describe disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) associated with angiosarcoma, but no association with EHE has been reported. We encountered a patient with DIC complicated by multifocal EHE. The patient was an 83-year-old woman with spinal lesions, small lung nodules, and a soft tissue mass in the right buttock. The tumor was biopsied and diagnosed as EHE. The patient received pain control therapy without antitumor therapy. One month later, DIC developed with tumor progression. DIC subsided with nafamostat mesylate infusion, and oral apixaban was administered. DIC was managed for 5 months until the patient died of brain metastases. This is the first report of a patient with DIC complicated by EHE. It should be noted that progression of EHE can cause DIC. We were able to manage DIC using anticoagulant agents.