Calcified hematoma of the greater omentum in an F-15 fighter pilot

Abstract

A high performance aircraft test pilot who presented with acalculous cholecystitis was found to have a calcified omental hematoma adjacent to the gallbladder. Omental hematomas have not previously been linked to flight in high performance aircraft. Current prevailing hypotheses regarding etiologies of omental hematomas include rapid blood flow shifts and venous fragility. Forces encountered in high performance aircraft may increase the chance of omental hemorrhage.