Coumarin-Induced Intestinal Obstruction

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Abstract
A syndrome of partial intestinal obstruction, usually in the small bowel, has emerged in recent years in patients with hypoprothrombinemia secondary to long-term coumarin anticoagulant therapy. This report discusses 11 such instances in 9 patients. In almost all patients the prothrombin time was below the desired therapeutic level. Associated hemorrhage was present in 8 of the 9 patients. Intramural intestinal hematomas form the basis of the obstruction. With appropriate supportive measures this process is readily reversible and operative measures unnecessary.