Detection and management of spontaneous intramural small bowel hematoma secondary to anticoagulant therapy

Intestinal hematoma, once considered a rare complication of anticoagulation, has recently been increasingly reported. Spontaneous small bowel hematomas most commonly involve the jejunum, followed by the ileum and duodenum. They occur in patients who receive excessive anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists or who have additional risk factors for bleeding. Diagnosis can be readily identified with sonography and confirmed with computed tomography. Early diagnosis is crucial as most patients can be treated successfully without surgery. Conservative treatment is recommended for intramural intestinal hematomas, when other associated complications needing laparotomy have been excluded.