[A spontaneous ilio-psoas hematoma]

An ilio-psoas hematoma is a spontaneous or traumatic retroperitoneal hemorrhage in the ilio-psoas muscle. It is an uncommon condition, occurring in patients with bleeding disorders or patients on anticoagulant therapy. It has a high mortality and presents itself with non-specific symptoms like pain in de lower back, hip or upper leg.

We present the case of a 70-year-old women, on anticoagulant therapy, presenting with atraumatic pain in de left hip. On clinical exam she complained of pain with active hip flexion and passive hip extension. On CT angiography an iliac hematoma was visible on the left side with an arterial component. She underwent an urgent pelvic arterial embolization.

Timely recognition and treatment of an iliopsoas hematoma can reduce mortality and morbidity. In elderly patients on anticoagulant therapy or with underlying bleeding disorders, this entity should always be considered in unexplained lumbar or hip pain.