Microangiopathic Haemolytic Anaemia and Experimental Tumour‐Cell Emboli

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Abstract
Summary. The mechanism by which disseminated carcinoma may induce microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia has been studied in rats using intravenous injections of Walker carcinosarcoma‐256 cells. Following the injection of tumour cells there was sequestration of radio‐labelled fibrinogen and platelets in the lungs and a simultaneous fall in peripheral platelet count and rise in free plasma haemoglobin. Anti‐fibrinolytic treatment (EACA) and triamcinolone accentuated the changes whereas heparin abolished the effect. Electron microscopy demonstrated fibrin and platelet deposition around tumour cells. It is concluded that intravascular coagulation around tumour cell emboli is an important mechanism in the production of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia in disseminated carcinoma.