Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurs secondary to a variety of far ranging disorders including severe trauma, infection, malignancies (especially leukemia in the pediatric population), severe snakebite reaction, and vascular lesions (kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas, tufted angiomas). The Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is a particular form of DIC where there is consumption of platelets and clotting factors within a kaposiform hemangioendothelioma or tufted angioma.

DIC occurs when there is intravenous coagulation in association with consumption of platelets. Hemolytic anemia and thromboembolism secondary to intravascular coagulation occurs.

The symptoms of DIC can be mild to severe. The onset can be subacute or sudden with associated high fever and development of purpura.

In severe cases, fatality can occur within 2 days.