[Ultrasonics in the diagnosis of deep hematomas in hemophilia]

The authors emphasize the clinical importance of US in evaluating the extent and the topographic relationships of haematomas. Seven haemorrhagic episodes occurred in this group of patients have been studied using US. For retrobulbar haematomas we have utilized a single water bath transducer operating at 5 and 7.5 MHz, while for soft tissue (muscle) we have utilized linear array transducer operating at 3.5 MHz. The haemorrhagic complications consisted of two deep haematomas involving the ileo-psoas muscle, with different evolution; two relapsing haematomas of the soleus muscle followed by different clinical course; two post-traumatic relapsing retrobulbar haematomas which gave rise to severe complications; two haematomas which occurred simultaneously in the right iliac fossa. Our experience suggests that US can give both accurate diagnostic information and useful clues concerning the solution and therapeutic management of haematomas. This leads to a better prognosis, mostly when the instrumental investigation is carried out early.