Interactions between intravascular coagulation and tissue perfusion

Abstract

During intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis, intermediates and degradation products with potent effects on vascular tone and permeability are generated. They act predominantly in the pulmonary circulation and cause vasoconstriction and vascular leakage. Their effects are mediated partially by platelets and neutrophils and partially by direct stimulation of the pulmonary arachidonic acid metabolism, resulting in the generation of vasoactive prostanoids. Thus the activation of the coagulation system may result in changes of tissue perfusion even in the absence of fibrin clots and platelet aggregates.