Ultrasonography in thoracic and abdominal stab wound injury: results from the FETTHA study.

BACKGROUND: While the role of Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (eFAST) is well defined in the management of severe blunt trauma, its performance in injuries caused by stab wounds has been poorly assessed. METHODS: Prospective single centre study which included all patients with stab wounds to the thorax or abdomen between December 2016 and December 2018. All patients underwent initial investigation with both eFAST and CT scan, except in cases of haemodynamic or respiratory instability, and in cases with a positive diagnosis by eFAST in which case surgery without CT scan was performed. RESULTS: Of the 200 consecutive patients included, 14 unstable patients underwent surgery immediately after eFAST. In these 14 patients, 9 had cardiac tamponade identified by eFAST and all were confirmed by surgery. In the remaining 186 patients, the median time between eFAST and CT scan was 30 min (IQR 20-49 min). Test characteristics (including 95% CI) for eFAST compared with reference standard of CT scan for detecting pneumothorax were as follows: sensitivity 77% (54%-92%), specificity 93% (90%-97%), positive predictive value (PPV) 60% (49%-83%), negative predictive value (NPV) 97% (93%-99%). Test characteristics (including 95% CI) for eFAST compared with CT scan for detecting haemothorax were as follows: sensitivity 97% (74%-99%), specificity 96% (92%-98%), PPV 83% (63%-93%) and NPV 99% (96%-100%). Finally, test characteristics (including 95% CI) for eFAST compared with CT scan for detecting haemoperitoneum were as follows: sensitivity 75% (35%-97%), specificity 97% (93%-99%), PPV 55% (23%-83%) and NPV 99% (96%-99%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients admitted with stab wounds to the torso, eFAST was not sensitive enough to diagnose pneumothorax and haemoperitoneum, but performed better in the detection of cardiac tamponade and haemothorax than the other injuries. More robust multicentre studies are needed to better define the role of eFAST in this specific population.

Post-Cholecystectomy Right Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Induced by Generalized Seizure: A Case Report.

Pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). In most cases, the patient presents with gastrointestinal bleeding or hemoperitoneum. Here, we present a case with a post-cholecystectomy right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) induced by a generalized seizure. A 39-year-old male was sent to the emergency room with a generalized seizure and a loss of consciousness for approximately 5 min. Diffuse abdominal pain was complained of after consciousness returned. The surgical history of LC 13 days prior was mentioned. Abdominal computer tomography (CT) revealed a lobulated fluid accumulation in the gallbladder fossa with prominent fatty stranding and suspected biloma formation. After admission for one week, sharp abdominal pain was observed. Abdominal CT angiography revealed a right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed with a total of seven platinum coils. In conclusion, it is important for doctors to take pseudoaneurysm into consideration in the patient who presents with seizure attack after receiving LC. Late discovery of PSA when it is ruptured can lead to fatal conditions, such as severe hemoperitoneum.

[Placenta percreta as a cause of massive intraabdominal bleeding]. / Placenta percreta a její atypická lokalizace jako prícina silného nitrobrisního krvácení.

OBJECTIVE: To inform about a rare cause of massive intraabdominal bleeding due to perforation of uterine corner by unrecognized placenta percreta. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Ostrava. CASE REPORT: We report a case of acute haemoperitoneum in pregnant woman at 34th week of gestation. We have detected the cause of the bleeding during emergency caesarean section - perforation of left uterine corner by placenta percreta. CONCLUSION: Placenta percreta is the most severe form of abnormal placental villous adherence. In rare cases, chorionic villi may penetrate surrounding organs and cause acute intraabdominal bleeding. Due to increasing number of surgical interventions on uterus, these disorders are on the rise. It is crucial to anticipate an abnormal placental villous adherence in women with atypical placenta localization. These women should be thoroughly observed and referred to perinatal center with intermediary or intensive care for further management before delivery.

Radiological diagnosis and management of idiopathic spontaneous intra-abdominal haemorrhage (abdominal apoplexy): a case series.

PURPOSE: Idiopathic spontaneous intraperitoneal haemorrhage (ISIH), historically known as abdominal apoplexy, is spontaneous haemorrhage due to rupture of an intra-abdominal visceral vessel in the absence of trauma or underlying pathology. It is an exceptionally rare condition, with mostly scattered case reports available. The aim of this study was to describe this rare condition, possible associated risk factors, and usefulness of multislice-CT (MS-CT) angiogram in its diagnosis prior to intervention. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with ISIH. Radiological records of haemoperitoneum from a single tertiary hospital in 2006-2013 were analysed, and the cases of ISIH were identified. Demographics (including pre-morbid hypertension status), abdominal aortic calcification as a measure of atherosclerotic changes, MS-CT angiogram +/- conventional digital subtraction angiograph images, surgical records and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: 425 cases of haemoperitoneum were retrieved from hospital radiology database from 2006 to 2013, and 5 patients (1.1%) diagnosed with ISIH were identified (4 males, 1 female, mean age of 64 years). 4 out of 5 patients (80%) had a history of hypertension (mean 150/90 mmHg) and 3 patients had moderate abdominal aortic atherosclerosis. MS-CT angiogram was able to diagnose the bleeding source in 4 out of 5 patients, while the bleeding source remained occult in the last patient even with both MS-CT and traditional DSA angiography. Patients who underwent either embolization or surgery had no further re-bleeding in clinical follow up, ranging from 5 to 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension and abdominal aortic atherosclerosis appear to be associated risk factors for ISIH, and MS-CT angiogram has a high sensitivity in detecting the site of haemorrhage. An integrated angiographic and surgical approach is important in managing patients with ISIH.

Predictive value of hemoperitoneum for outcome of methotrexate treatment in ectopic pregnancy: an observational comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictive value of hemoperitoneum for the outcome of methotrexate (MTX) treatment of ectopic pregnancy (EP). METHODS: This observational prospective single-center study included women presenting with EP treated with MTX from November 2007 to November 2009. The percentage of women with hemoperitoneum at the beginning of MTX treatment was compared between two groups: those whose treatment was successful and those whose treatment failed. The rate of hemoperitoneum in each group and its value in predicting the outcome of MTX treatment of EP were assessed. RESULTS: MTX treatment was successful in 69 of 93 (74%) cases. The percentage of women with hemoperitoneum at the beginning of treatment was significantly higher in women in whom MTX treatment failed as compared to those in whom it was successful (15/24 (62.5%) vs 17/69 (24.6%); P = 0.001). The likelihood of requiring surgery following treatment with MTX was higher in women with hemoperitoneum (odds ratio, 5.1; 95% CI, 1.74-15.14). Study of the diagnostic performance of hemoperitoneum in predicting the need for surgical treatment after MTX treatment revealed a sensitivity of 0.63, a specificity of 0.76, a positive predictive value of 0.47 and a negative predictive value of 0.85. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of hemoperitoneum appears to be a risk factor for MTX treatment failure. It is important to inform women as fully as possible about the risk of such failure. Nonetheless, the predictive value of this sign is insufficient for either routinely excluding women with hemoperitoneum from MTX treatment or omitting post-treatment monitoring.

Acute abdominal pain due to spontaneous rupture of the right gastric artery.

Abdominal apoplexy was reported by Barber in 1909, and the occurrence rate of the apoplexy is known to be quite rare, but the mortality is high if untreated. We report an unusual case of abdominal apoplexy due to spontaneous rupture of gastric artery. A male patient in his fifth decade with recently diagnosed liver cirrhosis history arrived to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, which led to abdominal computer tomography indicating spontaneous rupture of gastric artery. Celiac angiogram and embolization were conducted, and exploratory laparotomy was followed. The outcome of the patient was poor, and he died on the second day of admission. As in our case, the mortality can be high, so prompt restoration of circulation volume and early diagnosis should be made in similar cases.

Retrospective evaluation of admission total plasma protein as a predictor of red blood cell transfusion requirement in dogs diagnosed with traumatic and nontraumatic hemoabdomen: 90 dogs (2009-2019).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of admission total plasma protein (TPP) and the administration of red blood cell transfusions in dogs with diagnosed hemoabdomen. To secondarily evaluate additional point-of-care parameters associated with red blood cell transfusion administration. DESIGN: Retrospective study between 2009 and 2019. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Ninety dogs admitted to a university veterinary teaching hospital after a diagnosis of traumatic or nontraumatic hemoabdomen (NTH). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed; signalment, point-of-care diagnostics, and transfusion administration information was recorded. A total of 47 dogs (traumatic hemoabdomen 11/26; NTH 36/64) received packed red blood cell transfusions. For each 1 g/dL unit decrease in TPP, dogs had an increased odds ratio (OR) of 2.14 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-3.40, P < 0.001) of receiving a red blood cell transfusion. Dogs diagnosed with NTH were more likely to receive a red blood cell transfusion than dogs with a traumatic hemoabdomen (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.11-7.141, P = 0.03). Lower PCV values (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.12, P < 0.001), bicarbonate values (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.09-1.56, P = 0.003), and base excess (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.1-1.49, P = 0.003) were associated with a higher likelihood of red blood cell transfusion. Additionally, higher lactate (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.16-1.63, P < 0.001) and Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLE)fast scores (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.17, P < 0.001) were associated with increased red blood cell transfusion administration. CONCLUSIONS: Low admission TPP, independent of low PCV, was associated with red blood cell transfusions regardless of underlying cause. For each 1 g/dL unit decrease in TPP on presentation, dogs were approximately 2 times more likely to receive a red blood cell transfusion during hospitalization. Other factors that were associated with increased transfusion administration included presenting PCV, PCV/TPP ratio, bicarbonate, base excess, lactate, and APPLEfast scores.

Hemoperitoneum after a Bothrops snakebite: Case report.

Snakebites are frequent in tropical countries. Brazil has an average of 27,000 cases per year, with a fatality rate of 0.5%, and the Bothrops genus is the most common causative agent, accounting for about 70-90% of the accidents. This report describes a case of human envenomation by a juvenile Bothrops jararaca snake in São Paulo, Brazil, in a 71 years-old man, previously healthy. He presented a life-threatening envenomation, which developed to severe hypotension, acute kidney injury and extensive peritoneal hemorrhage. The hemoperitoneum was diagnosed due to persistent hypotension associated with anemia, pain and gastrointestinal complaints. Abdominal Computed Tomography scans showed a moderate to large amount of presumable hematic material inside the abdominal cavity, predominantly in the perihepatic and perisplenic spaces. The intra-abdominal hemorrhage was not surgically addressed, and the patient was discharged 5 days after hospitalization, with the progressive absorption of the hemoperitoneum. Systemic bleeding is one of the complications and main causes of death in Bothrops envenomations. Acute peritoneal hemorrhage is one of these serious complications that must be carefully addressed since its management must take into account the risk of bleeding caused by toxins that affect hemostasis. The case described highlights the importance of early diagnosis and adequate management of this potentially fatal complication in snakebites.

Severe case of postpartum-acquired haemophilia A after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Acquired factor VIII inhibitor, also known as acquired haemophilia A, has been associated with the postpartum state in young females. Treatment of acquired haemophilia A is focused on two goals: control of bleeding and eliminating the factor VIII inhibitor. Management requires successful intervention to accomplish both goals. Here, we describe the presentation and management of a case of acquired haemophilia A resulting in particularly severe and protracted intra-abdominal bleeding after routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a young and otherwise healthy female at 3 months postpartum. Due to diffuse intra-abdominal bleeding, she required return to the operating room on five occasions for intra-abdominal packing, reassessment of bleeding and ultimate fascial closure. Her abdomen was open for 5 days. She was treated with activated recombinant human factor VIIa to bypass inhibited factor VIII, and with immunosuppression using steroids, cyclophosphamide and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab. She achieved remission after 6 weeks of treatment.

Acute fetal asphyxia after gastric rupture in a pregnant patient with a gastric band.

We report a 37-year-old primigravida with a gastric band who developed the clinical picture of abdominal pain, vomiting and regurgitation coexistent with a cardiotocogram with severe variable decelerations with absent variability at 33 weeks' gestation. After partial improvement with gastric band enlargement, new aggravation of symptoms and recurrence of a pathological cardiotocogram led to an emergency cesarean section. Intraoperatively, hemoperitoneum from gastric rupture was verified and partial gastrectomy was performed. After bariatric surgery, pregnant women are at increased risk of gastrointestinal complications, which may need prompt and multidisciplinary diagnosis and management in order to avoid maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality.

[The risk of death from splenic ruptures by polytrauma among children].

The retrospective analysis of polytrauma with lethal outcome in 105 children showed that splenic injury had 31.4% of children. It was twice more often than liver injury, though the hemoperitoneum volume by liver injury exceeds that by spleen trauma (846.1±753.8 ml vs. 311±270.3 ml; p<0.002). The risk of death of intraabdominal bleeding by the spleen rupture is considerably low (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.019-1.34; p=0.04). Nevertheless, the hemothorax by the spleen injury was much more significant than hemoperitoneum (977±866.9 ml vs. 311±270.3 ml; p<0.0003). The risk of death of intrathoracic bleeding by the spleen rupture is 45 times higher than of intraabdominal. The degree of splenic injury poorly correlates with the traumatic mechanism and the hemoperitoneum volume. The chances of the immediate death is considerably low (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.0096-0.84; p<0.017). The main reasons of death by polytrauma remain brain injury, hemorrhagic shock after injury of thoracic cavity and traumatic shock.

TEG-based transfusion protocol is associated with decreased blood product use without increased risk of hemoperitoneum.

BACKGROUND: Thromboelastography (TEG) informs the need for blood product transfusions to prevent procedural bleeding complications in patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to evaluate the impact of using a TEG-based transfusion protocol on blood product utilization before paracentesis and the post-paracentesis hemoperitoneum (PPH) incidence. METHODS: We conducted an ambispective analysis of patients with cirrhosis who underwent paracentesis from 2017 to 2021. In May 2019, we enacted a TEG-based transfusion protocol to guide pre-paracentesis blood product use. Patients with platelets < 20,000 or international normalized ratio ≥ 4 underwent TEG and received blood products if r value > 10 min or MA <30 mm. Patients were divided into pre-TEG and post-TEG protocol cohorts based on the date of paracentesis. Pre-paracentesis blood product transfusions in the form of platelets, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitates were recorded. PPH was defined as a decrease in hemoglobin of ≥1 g and the presence of blood on diagnostic imaging and/or the need for therapeutic intervention. RESULTS: A total of 483 patients underwent 1281 paracenteses. The main etiologies of cirrhosis were alcohol (43%) and NASH (25%), and the mean MELD-sodium was 22±6. Pre-TEG and post-TEG protocol cohort sizes were similar: 253 patients and 607 paracenteses versus 230 patients and 674 paracenteses. After TEG-protocol implementation, blood product transfusions decreased significantly (228 vs. 49 products, p<0.001) with associated cost savings. One patient in each cohort developed PPH. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a pre-paracentesis TEG-based transfusion protocol for patients with cirrhosis successfully resulted in decreased blood product use with no associated increase in incidence of PPH.

Haemoperitoneum due to ovarian rupture after oocyte retrieval procedure.

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval is the gold-standard technique for oocyte retrieval that has few associated procedural and post-procedural complications. Rarely, severe complications can occur including haemoperitoneum, for which the incidence reported in the literature is approximately 0.08-0.22%. In this report, we present the case of a nulliparous woman in her late 30s who presented to the hospital with severe abdominal pain following transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval and was found to have extensive haemoperitoneum attributed to ovarian rupture.

Rapid resolution of hyperfibrinolysis in dogs with spontaneous hemoperitoneum following surgical control of hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the point prevalence and duration of hyperfibrinolysis (HF) in dogs undergoing surgical control of spontaneous hemoperitoneum (SHP). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Forty-five client-owned dogs with SHP were screened for HF. Eighteen HF dogs treated surgically were studied. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Dogs with SHP and evidence of shock admitted for surgical control of hemorrhage were screened for HF. Blood samples were collected for PCV, total plasma protein, platelet count, and thromboelastography with 50 U/mL of tissue plasminogen activator at presentation and every 8 hours postoperatively until 72 hours, discharge, or death. HF was defined as a tissue plasminogen activator-activated thromboelastography lysis percentage measured 30 minutes after maximum amplitude (LY30) of ≥20%. LY30 values were compared to a cohort of samples obtained from healthy dogs (n = 22). The point prevalence of HF in all dogs screened was 40% (18/45 dogs), and the mean LY30 at baseline for HF dogs was 48.9% (±24.2%), which was significantly higher than that of control dogs (4.8% ± 7.1%, P < 0.001) and non-HF dogs (1.9% ± 5.7%, P < 0.001). In HF dogs, there was a significant decrease in LY30 between baseline and 8 hours (P < 0.0001) and between 8 and 16 hours (P = 0.035) but no significant change thereafter. LY30 at 8 hours (4%, range: 0%-23.4%) was not statistically different from control dogs (6.5%, range: 1.2%-32.8%, P = 0.664) suggesting early resolution of HF in this population. Only 2 of 18 dogs were persistently hyperfibrinolytic at 24 hours. Malignancy was diagnosed in 12 of 18 dogs (66.6%), while a benign etiology occurred in 6 of 18 dogs (33.3%). All HF dogs survived to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: HF occurs in some dogs with hypovolemic shock due to hemoperitoneum but resolves rapidly following surgical control of bleeding without antifibrinolytic medications. Routine postoperative use of antifibrinolytics in dogs with hemoperitoneum in dogs undergoing surgical control of bleeding may not be warranted.

Bleeding hepatocellular adenoma: historical series and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: hepatocellular adenoma - AHC - is a rare benign neoplasm of the liver more prevalent in women at reproductive age and its main complication is hemorrhage. In the literature, case series addressing this complication are limited. METHODS: between 2010 and 2022, 12 cases of bleeding AHC were attended in a high-complexity university hospital in southern Brazil, whose medical records were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: all patients were female, with a mean age of 32 years and a BMI of 33kg/m2. The use of oral contraceptives was identified in half of the sample and also half of the patients had a single lesion. The mean diameter of the largest lesion was 9.60cm and the largest lesion was responsible for bleeding in all cases. The presence of hemoperitoneum was documented in 33% of the patients and their age was significantly higher than the patients who did not have hemoperitoneum - 38 vs 30 years, respectively. Surgical resection of the bleeding lesion was performed in 50% of the patients and the median number of days between bleeding and resection was 27 days. In only one case, embolization was used. The relation between ingrowth of the lesions and the time, in months, was not obtained in this study. CONCLUSION: it is concluded that the bleeding AHC of the present series shows epidemiological agreement with the literature and may suggest that older patients trend to have hemoperitoneum more frequently, a fact that should be investigated in further studies.

Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum in Pregnancy and Endometriosis: A New Challenge in a Known Disease.

Importance: Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy (SHiP) is a rare life-threatening event previously associated with endometriosis. Although pregnancy is thought to improve the symptoms of endometriosis, abrupt intraperitoneal bleeding can occur, jeopardizing both maternal and fetal outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to review the published information regarding SHiP pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, and management in a flowchart approach. Evidence Acquisition: A descriptive review of published articles in the English-language was carried out. Results: SHiP most commonly presents in the second half of pregnancy with a combination of abdominal pain, hypovolemia, a decline in hemoglobin level, and fetal distress. Nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms are not uncommon. Surgical management is suitable in most scenarios and avoids complications such as recurrent bleeding and infected hematoma. Maternal outcome has improved greatly, whereas perinatal mortality remained unchanged. In addition to physical strain, SHiP was reported to have a psychosocial sequela. Conclusions and Relevance: A high index of suspicion is required when patients present with acute abdominal pain and signs of hypovolemia. Early use of sonography contributes to narrowing down the diagnosis. Health care providers should be familiar with the SHiP diagnosis because early identification is crucial when attempting to safeguard maternal and fetal outcomes. Maternal and fetal requirements are often contradictory, creating a greater challenge in decision-making and treatment. A multidisciplinary team approach should coordinate the treatment, whenever a SHiP diagnosis is suspected.

A uterine malformation diagnosed in the shock room: a case report which helps to identify how to avoid a potentially preventable life-threatening event.

An Indian wonen at her second pregnancy, with a previous preterm labour at 34.5 weeks, presented to the emergency room at 15.6 weeks, shocked due to massive hemoperitoneum. During the urgent surgery, a Mullerian malformation was detected, and a uterine rupture was diagnosed as the cause of the hemoperitoneum. Ultrasound and pelvic magnetic resonance results confirmed the malformation, determining that a unicornuate uterus with a rudimental horn within the pregnancy had taken place. We decided to report our case to underline that Mullerian malformation must be taken into consideration and evaluated at each routinary gynaecological visit or, at least, at the first pregnancy appointment, especially in the cases of women with previous adverse obstetric outcomes. The 2D abdominal ultrasound associated with trans-vaginal evaluation is an adequate procedure to test for suspected uterine malformations (if the operator keeps it in mind and is trained to check this kind of alteration), which is fundamental to reducing the risk of life-threatening events.

Management of spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma and hemoperitoneum manifested as acute abdomen in the emergency room.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with hemoperitoneum has a poor prognosis, especially in cases of cirrhosis. Patients usually present to emergency rooms (ERs) with acute abdomen. The aim of the present study was to determine the factors affecting mortality and to compare the prognosis of conservative treatment, transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), or hepatectomy in these situations. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with spontaneously ruptured HCC diagnosed between January 2004 and August 2010 were enrolled in this retrospective review of clinical data. Grouping by survival or mortality, univariate and multivariate analyses of factors affecting 30-day mortality, and long-term survival were conducted. The outcomes of the various treatments were analyzed. RESULTS: After primary fluid resuscitation in the ER, 6 of 54 patients underwent conservative treatment. Emergency hepatectomy was performed on 19 patients; TAE was used for 29 patients, 18 of whom received staged hepatectomy thereafter. Poor liver function, prolonged international normalized ratio (INR), and conservative treatment were associated with increased 30-day mortality. Logistic regression analysis of cumulative survival revealed that INR ≥ 1.4, multiple intrahepatic HCC, and conservative treatment were related to poorer long-term survival. The patients who received hepatectomy, either immediate or staged after TAE, had higher survival rates of 85.2 % at 30 days and 62.2 % at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of ruptured HCC should be tailored to the individual case. Prolonged survival is possible in patients with preserved liver function through curative liver resection. Emergency physicians, radiologists, and surgeons play essential roles in managing these patients.