Definition
Sudden, widespread clotting within the microcirculation.
Characteristics
- Natural coagulation inhibitors fail to control the widespread clotting
- Platelets and clotting factors are "consumed" (hence the synonym consumptive coagulopathy) due to the widespread clotting, causing an increased tendency of bleeding (hemorrhages)
- Small and medium vessels will clog, leading to ischemic tissue damage and necrosis (usually in the kidneys, brain, adrenal glands and the heart)
- Externally,