Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2025

Tail Vein Transection Bleeding Model in Fully Anesthetized Hemophilia A Mice
Published on: September 30, 2021
Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma induced by vitamin K antagonist therapy: A case report
Youssra Bouhaddoune1, Marwa Bilal1, Hajar Mahjouba2
1Department of Cardiology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Oujda, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco.
Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are recommended in patients with mechanical heart valves. Major bleeding events remain the most life-threatening complication of this therapy and sometimes it can occur in unusual anatomic areas. Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma is one of the rare complications of anticoagulation therapy, which needs to be recognized early and managed promptly. Here, we report a case of a 40-year-old woman with mechanical heart valve treated with acenocoumarol, who was admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain and whose investigations came back in favor of a massive retroperitoneal hematoma. The patient was successfully treated through conservative management resulting in a good outcome. Clinicians should be careful when prescribing VKA and should always think of retroperitoneal bleeding in the event of abdominal pain or a sudden decrease in the hemoglobin levels of anticoagulated patients.
Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are recommended in patients with mechanical heart valves. Major bleeding events remain the most life-threatening complication of this therapy and sometimes it can occur in unusual anatomic areas. Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma is one of the rare complications of anticoagulation therapy, which needs to be recognized early and managed promptly. Here, we report a case of a 40-year-old woman with mechanical heart valve treated with acenocoumarol, who was admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain and whose investigations came back in favor of a massive retroperitoneal hematoma. The patient was successfully treated through conservative management resulting in a good outcome. Clinicians should be careful when prescribing VKA and should always think of retroperitoneal bleeding in the event of abdominal pain or a sudden decrease in the hemoglobin levels of anticoagulated patients.
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...

