Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), now a well recognized entity, has been reported in association with a number of bacterial, viral, fungal, rickettsial, and protozoal infections, as well as in noninfectious processes.1,2 To our knowledge, DIC has been reported only once in association with fatal miliary tuberculosis.3 We wish to present the second case, this time in a patient who survives.
Patient Summary
The patient, (NEMCH No. 80-88-56), a 68-year-old Chinese man, was seen in the emergency room on April 12,1971, for head trauma after a fall. A shaking chill and temperature of 39.4 C (103 F) prompted an admission.On previous admissions the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease with aortic and mitral valve involvement and chronic atrial fibrillation was made. In March 1971, he also had a documented myocardial infarction. X-ray film of the chest at that time showed clear lung fields.Physical examination showed a wasted, elderly