Kasabach–Merritt Phenomenon
Pronunciation: KAZ-ah-bak MER-it
Also written as: KMP — Kasabach–Merritt Phenomenon
A severe consumptive coagulopathy with profound thrombocytopenia caused by platelet and clotting factor trapping within a vascular tumour, specifically kaposiform haemangioendothelioma or tufted angioma.
Full Definition
Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is a life-threatening haematological complication characterised by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, and consumptive coagulopathy occurring in association with specific vascular tumours—principally kaposiform haemangioendothelioma and, less commonly, tufted angioma. It is critically important in editorial practice to note that KMP does not occur with infantile haemangioma, a misconception found in older literature. The hyphen in 'Kasabach–Merritt' is an en dash in most style guides (connecting two surnames), and both names take initial capitals. Editors should query any manuscript attributing KMP to a 'strawberry haemangioma' or common infantile haemangioma, as this reflects outdated or erroneous nosology.
Usage
Usage note: Use an en dash (–) between 'Kasabach' and 'Merritt' in accordance with eponym style. The term 'Kasabach–Merritt syndrome' is deprecated in current literature; 'phenomenon' is preferred. Do not associate KMP with infantile haemangioma.
In Context
- "The haematology team was alerted to the risk of Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon given the diagnosis of kaposiform haemangioendothelioma." — Paediatric oncology multidisciplinary note
- "The review incorrectly attributed Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon to infantile haemangioma; this association is no longer supported and should be corrected." — Peer review comment