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Anticoagulant-induced intramural intestinal hematoma
Cafer Polat1, Adem Dervisoglu, Hakan Guven
1Department of Surgery, Ondokuz Mayis University, School of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|June 18, 2003
Summary
Intramural intestinal hematoma is a rare anticoagulant complication. Nonoperative management is effective, with imaging like ultrasonography and CT aiding diagnosis and monitoring for complete resolution.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Intramural intestinal hematoma is a rare complication of anticoagulant therapy.
- Patients on long-term anticoagulation are at risk for this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate nontrauma patients with intramural intestinal hematoma.
- To assess diagnostic accuracy of imaging modalities.
- To determine optimal treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 7 nontrauma patients diagnosed between May 1998 and June 2001.
- All patients received long-term anticoagulant therapy.
- Diagnosis confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography (US) and computerized tomography (CT).
Main Results:
- All 7 patients presented with abdominal pain; 6 had nausea/vomiting, 4 had melanotic stools.
- Six patients exhibited abnormal coagulation parameters.
- US and CT accurately identified the pathology in all cases.
Conclusions:
- Combined US and CT enhance diagnostic accuracy for intramural intestinal hematoma.
- Nonoperative management is the preferred treatment.
- Surgery is reserved for cases with generalized peritonitis or intestinal obstruction.