What is retroperitoneal hematoma?
Introduction. Retroperitoneal hematoma is defined as bleeding into the retroperitoneal space. This clinical entity is often occult and under-recognized by clinicians and is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality.
How do you rule out retroperitoneal bleeding?
CT angiography (CTA) is usually performed to detect the site of active retroperitoneal bleeding in cases of known or clinically suspected acute bleeding.
What can cause a retroperitoneal hematoma?
There are several well-recognized causes of retroperitoneal hematoma, including ruptured aortic aneurysm, traumatic vascular injury, retroperitoneal neoplasms, and coagulopathy. [2] In addition, there are documented reports implicating low molecular weight heparin as a potential cause.
How do you test for retroperitoneal bleeding?
Retroperitoneal hemorrhage can be directly documented by computed tomography. In patients with confusing clinical find- lngs, CT scans may provide a definite diagnoses and direct appropriate therapy.
Is a retroperitoneal hematoma serious?
Traumatic retroperitoneal hematoma is a common, life-threatening complication of abdominal or pelvic injuries, early diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention are of utmost importance.
How is retroperitoneal hematoma treated?
Treatment 1,2,5,6
- Conservative management. Fluid resuscitation. Blood transfusion. Anticoagulant reversal.
- Surgery and/or Interventional Radiology Consult. Surgical decompression. Percutaneous drainage. Embolization.
What are the signs and symptoms of a retroperitoneal bleed?
Signs of RP bleeding include new severe back and groin pain, emerging bruising over the abdomen or flank with blood tracking into the inguinal soft tissues, low BP, and increasing heart rate. When these signs are present, a RP bleed is presumed to be the cause.
When do you explore retroperitoneal hematoma?
However, when the retroperitoneal hematomas were accompanied with concomitant injury of rectum, bladder or other organs, surgical exploration is critical. In conclusion, traumatic retroperitoneal hematoma is life-threatening lesion and early diagnosis and correct treatment are of utmost importance.
What is the retroperitoneal organ?
The retroperitoneal space contains the kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, nerve roots, lymph nodes, abdominal aorta, and inferior vena cava.
What is meaning of retroperitoneal?
(REH-troh-PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul) Having to do with the area outside or behind the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen).
What is retro-peritoneal hematoma?
A retroperitoneal hematoma, developing primarily after abdominal or pelvic blunt trauma, is a potentially life-threatening complication of various malignancies that presents with non-specific symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, the back, the leg, and the hip area, as well as abdominal distension and ascites.
What are the main causes of retroperitoneal bleeding?
Retroperitoneal bleeding may occur as a result of a car accident. The main causes of retroperitoneal bleeding are trauma, the use of anticoagulant medications, tumors, cysts, and ruptured aortic aneurysms. Penetrating trauma, such as a stab wound, can cause retroperitoneal bleeding.
What is retroperitoneal pain?
“Retroperitoneal” refers to the back of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the anatomical space in the abdominal cavity. Kidney stones may cause pain to the organs within the retroperitoneal space.