ABSTRACT
Delayed acute abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) due to retroperitoneal bleeding is rare. Herein, we report the clinical management of such a rare case. A 46-year-old male who fell from a height of 12 meters was admitted to Al-Ain Hospital. He was hemodynamically stable. His abdomen was soft and not distended. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) was normal on admission. On day 7, the patient tolerated enteral feeding. On day 15, he became suddenly hypotensive. CT of the abdomen showed a large retroperitoneal hematoma compressing the inferior vena cava (IVC) associated with contrast blush indicating active bleeding. The abdomen became distended and tense. The patient developed respiratory failure and severe acidosis, increased airway pressure and reduced urine output. A clinical diagnosis of ACS was made. There was dramatic improvement in the hemodynamic and respiratory function directly after laparotomy. Exploration of the retroperitoneal hematoma showed an actively bleeding ligated ileocolic vessel. The abdomen was temporarily closed using saline IV bags sandwiched between two layers of Steri-Drape. The abdomen was closed primarily on day 6. The patient was discharged home on day 50. Life-threatening delayed retroperitoneal bleeding may occur suddenly two weeks after trauma causing ACS.
Subject(s)
Accidental Falls , Compartment Syndromes/etiology , Hematoma/complications , Compartment Syndromes/diagnosis , Compartment Syndromes/surgery , Hematoma/etiology , Hematoma/surgery , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retroperitoneal Space , Skull Fracture, Depressed/complications , Skull Fracture, Depressed/surgery , Tibial Fractures/complications , Tibial Fractures/surgery , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is rare. Its diagnosis is usually difficult and delayed. Herein, we report 2 patients who developed MVT as a complication of an appendicular mass. One of them had appendectomy and developed fever 10 days postoperatively. The other was treated conservatively. An abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan with intravenous contrast was helpful in diagnosing the superior MVT in both patients, which were not suspected. Intravenous contrast should be used when performing CT of an appendicular mass. Special interest should be directed at studying the superior mesenteric vein. Early diagnosis of our patients helped to start early medical treatment with anticoagulation.