1985 Volume 26 Issue 7 Pages 934-939
Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is, now, the established treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of this paper is to report an exceptional case with a complication of DIC after TAE. A 53-year-old male was hospitalized because of high serum AFP. Ultrasonography, CT scan and angiography suggested hepatocellular carcinoma with intrahepatic metastasis. TAE was performed four times repeatedly. After the fourth TAE, the diagnosis of DIC was made based on coagulation test, high FDP and low F. VIII activity. With appropriate treatment, he became free from DIC. But the tumor, which had invaded the diaphragma, ruptured into the thoracic cavity and he died. There have been many reports on TAE, but few are discussed on its complications. In this paper a severe complication "DIC" triggered by TAE is reported. After TAE procedure, it is necessary to follow the patient with repeated coagulation tests cautiously.
