Abstract

MIRAS AZCON, F. et al. Hallazgos en imágenes del hematoma intramural intestinal espontáneo. Rev. argent. radiol. [online]. 2016, vol.80, n.1, pp.39-44. ISSN 1852-9992.

Spontaneous intestinal intramural haematoma is a highly unusual cause of acute abdominal pain, but is a feasible diagnosis in patients with hematological diseases or anticoagulation therapy. The median time to presentation from the start of anticoagulation is 24.4 months, but can appear just 10 days after initiating treatment. Clinical findings of this entity are non-specific (for example, abdominal pain or nausea), and although not always, they are often similar to those observed in intestinal obstruction. As a result, they can easily lead to diagnostic errors. The treatment of intramural haematoma is conservative in most cases and, therefore, an incorrect diagnosis may lead to unnecessary surgery. At this point, ultrasound, and in particular, computed tomography (CT) have become essential in the characterisation of this disease and its correct and early diagnosis. The signs and symptoms are presented on 5 patients with acute abdominal symptoms and a final diagnosis of spontaneous intramural haematoma, along with a review of the literature. The main radiological signs were thickening of the intestinal wall, intramural hyperdensity on CT without intravenous contrast, and the presence of a haemoperitoneum.

Keywords : Haematoma; Spontaneous; Intestinal; Computed tomography; Ultrasound.