Hematomas espontáneos de la pared abdominal

Abstract

Introduction: Spontaneous hematoma of the abdominal wall is infrequent and difficult to diagnose due to its clinical similarity with other acute processes. It is usually associated with patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy and is characterized for its form of abrupt presentation like acute abdominal pain. Surgery can be avoided in most patients if hematoma is correctly diagnosed by imaging tests. Clinical observations: We present 12 cases of spontaneous hematoma of the abdominal wall from 1999 through 2005 and we review the etiology, precipitating factors, diagnosis and treatment of this clinical entity. Conclusion: Treatment of spontaneous hematoma of abdominal wall must be preservative, reserving the surgery for those cases that present hemodynamic compromise by persistent hemorrhage.