Thorotrast-Induced Angiosarcoma Complicated by Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia: Case Report and Review

Abstract

Thorium dioxide was first used for radiographic imaging studies as early as 1915. Carcinogenesis was clearly established by the 1940s, such that by 1956 worldwide usage had ceased. Malignancies were noted to appear from 15 to 45 years after injection. A case of thorotrast-induced hepatic angiosarcoma is presented, which was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Since multiple medical conditions existed, it was unclear which was primarily responsible for these complications. This is the first reported association between thorotrast-induced malignancy and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The world literature is reviewed.