Duodenal haematoma in association with coeliac axis stenosis

Duodenal haematoma is now a well-established clinical entity. The aetiology, however, is not always clear. Trauma or bleeding due to anticoagulant therapy is the cause in most cases. It is suspected that unreported minor trauma may cause the remainder. A case is reported in which the pancreaticoduodenal circulation was markedly dilated and tortuous because of severe coeliac axis stenosis. It is suggested that no trauma is required in this situation to cause bleeding, which may be due to spontaneous repture of the smaller vasa recta.