Prehospital ultrasound scanning for abdominal free fluid detection in trauma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Focused assessment with sonography for trauma helps detect abdominal free fluid. Prehospital ultrasound scanning is also important because the early diagnosis of hemoperitoneum may reduce the time to definitive treatment in the hospital. This study investigated whether prehospital ultrasound scanning can help detect abdominal free fluid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this systematic review, relevant databases were searched for studies investigating prehospital ultrasound examinations for abdominal free fluid in trauma patients. The prehospital ultrasound results were compared with computed tomography, surgery, or hospital ultrasound examination data. The pooled sensitivity and specificity values were analyzed using forest plots. The overall predictive power was calculated by the summary receiver operating characteristic curve. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies tool. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was performed to assess the certainty of evidence. RESULT: This meta-analysis comprised six studies that included 1356 patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity values were 0.596 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.345-0.822) and 0.970 (95% CI = 0.953-0.983), respectively. The pooled area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.998. The quality assessment tool showed favorable results. In the GRADE analysis, the quality of evidence was very low for sensitivity and high for specificity when prehospital ultrasound was used for hemoperitoneum diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The specificity of abdominal free fluid detection using prehospital ultrasound examinations in trauma patients was very high.

Using Deep Learning to Detect the Presence and Location of Hemoperitoneum on the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) Examination in Adults.

Abdominal ultrasonography has become an integral component of the evaluation of trauma patients. Internal hemorrhage can be rapidly diagnosed by finding free fluid with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and expedite decisions to perform lifesaving interventions. However, the widespread clinical application of ultrasound is limited by the expertise required for image interpretation. This study aimed to develop a deep learning algorithm to identify the presence and location of hemoperitoneum on POCUS to assist novice clinicians in accurate interpretation of the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exam. We analyzed right upper quadrant (RUQ) FAST exams obtained from 94 adult patients (44 confirmed hemoperitoneum) using the YoloV3 object detection algorithm. Exams were partitioned via fivefold stratified sampling for training, validation, and hold-out testing. We assessed each exam image-by-image using YoloV3 and determined hemoperitoneum presence for the exam using the detection with highest confidence score. We determined the detection threshold as the score that maximizes the geometric mean of sensitivity and specificity over the validation set. The algorithm had 95% sensitivity, 94% specificity, 95% accuracy, and 97% AUC over the test set, significantly outperforming three recent methods. The algorithm also exhibited strength in localization, while the detected box sizes varied with a 56% IOU averaged over positive cases. Image processing demonstrated only 57-ms latency, which is adequate for real-time use at the bedside. These results suggest that a deep learning algorithm can rapidly and accurately identify the presence and location of free fluid in the RUQ of the FAST exam in adult patients with hemoperitoneum.

Hemoperitoneum due to rupture of intra-abdominal varices.

Portal hypertension, responsible for the formation of oesophageal varices, also generates intra-abdominal varicose dilations, especially of the perisplenic and mesenteric veins, which, like the oesophageal veins, are susceptible to rupturing and bleeding, in this case within the peritoneal cavity. However, the spontaneous rupture of these intraperitoneal varices is a rare complication, and poorly described in the literature. We present the case of a 72-year-old woman with CHILD B liver cirrhosis of unknown aetiology with portal hypertension on primary prophylaxis with carvedilol.

Ruptured subcapsular liver hematoma as a rare complication of HELLP syndrome. A therapeutic challenge.

HELLP syndrome (HS), a low-incidence condition of uncertain pathogenesis associated with pregnancy hypertensive syndromes, is characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count. Ruptured subcapsular liver hematoma complicated with hemoperitoneum is an uncommon but very serious condition where early recognition and multidisciplinary management are key to reduce its associated maternal, infant mortality rate. Symptoms are nonspecific, characterized by por epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting; clinical suspicion and appropriate imaging studies are of crucial importance. We report the case of a 36-year-old primiparous woman at 39 weeks of gestation. She was admitted for early membrane rupture, with delivery complicated by retained placenta. During the immediate puerperium she had blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg, epigastric pain and vomiting, which required respiratory and hemodynamic support. An exploratory laparotomy was performed that revealed a massive hemoperitoneum as well as CR in the RLL with multifocal active bleeding. The left liver lobe was macroscopically normal. The patient underwent hemoperitoneum drainage and hepatic packing (HP); biopsy findings were consistent with necrosis. Polytransfusion was initiated with blood products and antihemorrhagic agents.

Recurrent umbilical varix rupture with hemoperitoneum: a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Non-traumatic hemoperitoneum was a rare event with the risk of sudden death. Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma is the most intuitive diagnosis when hemoperitoneum occurs in cirrhotic patients who are not regularly followed up. However, other etiologies of hemoperitoneum, such as intra-abdominal varix rupture, should be kept in mind. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh B was sent to our emergency department (ED) because of recurrent abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock. He had similar symptoms one month ago and was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rupture with hemoperitoneum, therefore he underwent trans-arterial embolization (TAE). However, the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed less possibility of hepatocellular carcinoma. Contrast enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed possible umbilical vein contrast agent extravasation. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of rupture umbilical varix with hemoperitoneum. CONCLUSION: Although umbilical varix rupture is a rare cause of hemoperitoneum, it should be kept in mind in cirrhotic patients with unexplained hemoperitoneum.

Successful laparoscopic management of acute abdominal pain due to spontaneous rupture of subserosal vessels overlying a uterine fibroid: a case report and surgical video.

BACKGROUND: Acute abdomen comprises several emergencies. Hemoperitoneum associated with uterine fibroids, which can present as acute abdominal pain, is rare and difficult to diagnose. Especially, spontaneous hemorrhage from the rupture of the superficial vessels overlying a uterine fibroid is extremely rare, and its diagnosis and management have not been established. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 55-year-old woman who presented at our hospital with acute abdomen. After performing a computed tomography scan, we conducted a laparoscopic examination and diagnosed hemoperitoneum of ambiguous origin. We treated the patient surgically, performing a laparoscopic myomectomy to remove the origin of the hemorrhage. The patient recovered well. CONCLUSIONS: We report a case of hemoperitoneum of ambiguous origin that was diagnosed laparoscopically and treated by laparoscopic myomectomy to remove the origin of the hemorrhage. Surgeons should rapidly diagnose and manage acute abdominal pain in women with a history of uterine fibroids to prevent severe morbidity or even mortality. Therefore, laparoscopic surgery is recommended in patients with stable hemodynamics.

Near fatal interstitial pregnancy.

Interstitial pregnancies are a rare form of ectopic pregnancy that occur when there is implantation of a fetus into the interstitial portion of the uterus. These can be particularly challenging to diagnose and have a high risk of morbidity and mortality due to the relatively late presentation compared to other ectopic pregnancies. Here we present a gravida 3, para 2 female patient at 14 weeks gestational age who suffered uterine rupture and hemoperitoneum leading to cardiac arrest in the Emergency Department. This case demonstrates the importance of ultrasound as a critical tool in the diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy and the sonographic findings. It is essential for emergency clinicians to be aware of this rare diagnosis.

Association of CT findings in patients with hemoperitoneum due to ruptured ovarian cysts with subsequent intervention.

PURPOSE: Hemoperitoneum caused by ovarian cyst rupture may necessitate intervention. The literature is lacking in descriptions of CT findings that help guide patient management. The purpose of this study is to consider CT findings associated with a need for intervention (surgical or interventional radiology management) versus conservative treatment (observation, pain management, and blood transfusions). METHODS: Two radiologists retrospectively and independently reviewed 103 CTs of pre-menopausal women who presented with acute hemoperitoneum related to ruptured ovarian cysts between January 2010 and January 2019. The following imaging features were assessed: ovarian cyst characteristics, sentinel clot, contrast extravasation, and hemoperitoneum size. Findings were correlated with patient demographics, clinical parameters, and management with surgery/interventional radiology procedure (intervention group) versus conservative management (conservative group). RESULTS: Of the 103 patients with hemoperitoneum from cyst rupture, 16% (n = 16) required intervention, and 84% underwent conservative treatment (n = 87). Length of stay (p = .008) was higher in the intervention group. Statistically significant CT findings in the intervention versus conservative group included (p-value reader 1/p-value reader 2) greatest AP dimension of hemoperitoneum (p = .001/p = 0.02), posterior cul-de-sac AP dimension (p = 0.03/p = .006), total cul-de-sac AP dimension (p = .002/p = .007), and number of spaces with hemoperitoneum (p = .01/p = .02). There was good to excellent inter-reader agreement for these findings (ICC 0.68-0.91). Active contrast extravasation was significant for one reader (p = .02) with poor inter-reader agreement (ICC 0.36). In utilizing ROC curves, thresholds of 107 mm (greatest axial AP dimension of hemoperitoneum) yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 0.81 and 0.62 for reader 1 and 0.69 and 0.55 for reader 2; 45 mm (posterior cul-de-sac AP dimension) yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 0.75 and 0.63 for reader 1 and 0.94 and 0.49 for reader 2; 70 mm (total cul-de-sac AP dimension) yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 0.75 and 0.64 for reader 1 and 0.75 and 0.50 for reader 2; and greater than 5 spaces yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 0.75 and 0.58 for reader 1 and 0.69 and 0.70 for reader 2. CONCLUSION: CT findings associated with intervention in hemoperitoneum due to ovarian cyst rupture include size of hemoperitoneum, number of abdominopelvic spaces with hemoperitoneum, and contrast extravasation.

Transhepatic perforation of the gallbladder with massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage as a rare complication of acute cholecystitis.

INTRODUCTION: Perforation of the gallbladder into the hepatic parenchyma with massive bleeding into the abdominal cavity is a very rare but life-threatening complication of acute cholecystitis. Initially, the clinical finding may not differ significantly from the normal course of acute cholecystitis, but later there is a significant deterioration associated with hemorrhagic shock. Monitoring of the patients clinical condition as well as radiological methods have a crucial role in early and accurate diagnosis. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 55-year-old patient who was admitted to our clinic with the clinical finding of acute cholecystitis. During the third day of hospitalization, there was a significant deterioration in his clinical condition with circulatory instability. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed massive hemoperitoneum with a large hematoma reaching into the liver parenchyma and the gallbladder bed. Based on this finding, the patient was indicated for urgent laparotomy. The perioperative finding confirmed intrahepatic perforation of the gallbladder with a stone collapsed into the hepatic parenchyma and secondary perforation of the hepatic capsule with massive bleeding into the abdominal cavity. The authors present an unusual complication of acute cholecystitis, its diagnosis and surgical solution. CONCLUSION: Massive intraperitoneal bleeding associated with transhepatic perforation of the gallbladder is very rare, occurring only in single-digit percent of acute cholecystitis cases. It is essential to evaluate not only the clinical and laboratory findings, but above all to complete an appropriate imaging assessment. The timing of the assessment is crucial for proper preoperative diagnosis and for reducing the risks of urgent surgical treatment.

Diagnostic accuracy of postmortem computed tomography for bleeding source determination in cases with hemoperitoneum.

AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the accuracy of postmortem computed tomography and different radiological signs for the determination of the bleeding source in cases with hemoperitoneum confirmed at autopsy. METHODS: Postmortem computed tomography data of consecutive cases with hemoperitoneum confirmed at autopsy were reviewed by two raters, blinded to the autopsy findings. The determination of possible bleeding sources was based on the presence of the sentinel clot sign, blood or sedimented blood surrounding an organ, intraparenchymal abnormal gas distribution, and parenchymal disruption. The bleeding source and the cause of hemoperitoneum (traumatic, surgical, natural, or resuscitation) as reported in the autopsy report were noted. The survival intervals of the deceased were calculated when information about the time of an incident related to death was available in the autopsy reports. RESULTS: Eighty-five cases were included in the study. Postmortem computed tomography showed 79% sensitivity and 92.1% specificity for the detection of the bleeding source. The sentinel clot sign was associated with surgical or natural causes of hemoperitoneum and longer survival intervals. Sedimented blood around the bleeding source was associated with resuscitation. Abnormal gas distribution within organs and combination of multiple radiological signs provided higher sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Postmortem computed tomography provides moderate sensitivity and high specificity for determining the bleeding source in cases with hemoperitoneum. Different PMCT signs are associated with different causes of hemoperitoneum and survival intervals.

Endometriosis Scarring-A Potential Etiology for Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum in Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a common condition characterized by the accumulation of dense adhesions and scar tissue around the pelvic organs, which can lead to complications. Disruption of endometriotic scar tissue is rare but can lead to spontaneous intraperitoneal hemorrhage in pregnancy. CASE: We present the case of a patient admitted for signs of labour at 40 weeks gestation. At emergency cesarean delivery for cord prolapse, the patient was found to have a massive intraperitoneal bleed. Mechanical disruption of endometriotic scar tissue during positioning for an epidural may have been the precipitating event, as the symptoms of spontaneous hemorrhage, including hypotension and pain, appeared immediately afterward. CONCLUSION: Without the cord prolapse, cesarean delivery would have been delayed and the spontaneous hemorrhage might have been missed. This case report alerts obstetricians to have a high index of suspicion for spontaneous hemorrhage in pregnant patients with a history of advanced-stage endometriosis, as this event can be life-threatening to mother and baby.

Reevaluation of FAST Sensitivity in Pediatric Blunt Abdominal Trauma Patients: Should We Redefine the Qualitative Threshold for Significant Hemoperitoneum?

BACKGROUND: The utility of the focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) examination in hemodynamically stable pediatric blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) patients is controversial.We report our 3-year experience with FAST performance to detect greater than physiologic amounts of intraperitoneal fluid after BAT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all FAST examinations performed from July 2015 to June 2018 at a level I pediatric trauma center. The main outcome of interest was the performance of a concerning FAST (cFAST) compared with a computed tomography scan diagnosis for greater than physiologic levels of free fluid (FF) and clinical follow-up. A cFAST was defined by the presence of any FF in the upper abdomen or by a moderate to large amount of FF present in the pelvis. The interobserver reliability of cFASTwas assessed with Cohen κ coefficient. Locations of FF were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 448 FAST cases were eligible for review. The median age was 11 years with 64% male. Thirty-one FAST examinations (6.9%) were positive for some amount of FF; 18 (4.0%) were cFASTs. In the cFAST group, 11 patients (61%) were hemodynamically stable. The cFAST had a sensitivity of 89% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65%-99%), specificity of 99% (95% CI, 98%-100%), positive predictive value of 89% (95% CI, 67%-97%), and negative predictive value of 99% (95% CI, 98%-100%). The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 191 (95% CI, 47-769) and 0.11 (95% CI, 0.03-0.41). The κ coefficient for cFASTwas 0.72 with 86% agreement. Free fluid on cFAST cases was observed in the pelvis (78%), right upper quadrant (44%), and left upper quadrant (44%). CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric BAT patients, a cFAST has acceptable sensitivity and remains a highly specific test to rule in greater than physiologic quantities of FF with confidence.

Hemoperitoneum due to splenic injury after colonoscopy-Perhaps not a so uncommon a complication.

We have read with interest in your journal the article "Splenic rupture as an endoscopic complication: as rare as it appears?" and we would like to contribute a case handled in our hospital. We present the case of a 72-year-old male smokerto whom an elective colonoscopy was performed with conscious sedation (midazolam and pethidine). The bowel preparation was appropriate. Diverticula and several pedunculated polyps were observed.

Splenic rupture as an endoscopic complication: as rare as it appears?

The case was an 86-year-old male with multiple cardiovascular comorbidites, including anticoagulated atrial fibrillation, who underwent a colonoscopy due to acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia. Colonoscopy only showed some small angiodysplasias in the cecum. A few hours later, the patient presented with abdominal pain and hemodynamic instability. An abdominal computed tomography was performed, which showed a splenic laceration and hemoperitoneum. An expectant attitude was decided, with a good evolution from the abdominal point of view. There was no sign of active splenic bleeding in a control computed tomography. However, he developed decompensated heart failure and finally died.

[Hematocele and hemoperitoneum as initial manifestation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Report of one case]. / Hematocele y hemoperitoneo como manifestación inicial de carcinoma hepatocelular: Caso clínico.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rupture is a rare complication, with a higher prevalence in countries of Asia and Europe. Its clinical manifestations can be nonspecific, from abdominal pain and bloating to hemodynamic involvement. We report a 70-year-old male patient with a history of chronic liver disease, presenting with an enlargement and ecchymosis of the scrotum, associated with abdominal bloating. The initial abdominal ultrasound study showed increased liquid content in the scrotal sac and regional edema. A CT of the abdomen and pelvis showed a liver mass with characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma, associated with extensive hemoperitoneum that drained into the scrotal sac. The patient was treated with embolization of the right hepatic artery and later with surgical resection of the tumor mass, with a good clinical evolution.

Should radiologists care about kV? Phantom and clinical study of effects of kV on hemoperitoneum HU in the setting of splenic injuries.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the potential effects of X-ray tube voltage (kV) changes on Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements of hemoperitoneum in patients with blunt splenic injuries. METHODS: Eight different tissue equivalent electron density plugs in the Electron Density Phantom were scanned (muscle, adipose, breast, liver, lung (exhale), lung (inhale), trabecular bone, and dense bone). The phantom was scanned at different kV values (70, 80, 100, 120, and 140 kV). In the clinical study, the local trauma registry database was queried for splenic injuries between January 2015 and December 2016 with a final cohort of 110 patients. The average HU numbers of hemoperitoneum found in three different anatomic locations (pelvic, perisplenic, and perihepatic) were compared at different kV values (100 kV, 120 kV, and 140 kV). ANOVA and pairwise t tests were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In both studies, HU measurements generally decreased as kV increased, and vice versa. One hundred ten patients were reviewed: 29 for 100 kV, 66 for 120 kV, and 15 for 140 kV. For the perihepatic group, significant differences were observed in average HU in the following pairwise comparisons: 100/140 (13.7 (5.3), p < 0.05) and 120/140 (10.3 (4.5), p < 0.05). For the perisplenic group, significant differences were observed in 100/120 (7.0 (3.5), p < 0.05) and 100/140 (13.2 (4.9), p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the pelvic location (p = 0.5594). CONCLUSIONS: HU measurements of hemoperitoneum in patients with blunt splenic injuries significantly varied with the use of different kV values. Radiologists should be aware of the possible effects of altering kV on HU.

Rolling a trauma patient onto the right side increases sensitivity of FAST examination.

PURPOSE: Hemoperitoneum in the hypotensive trauma patient is an indication for emergent laparotomy. Focused assessment sonography in trauma (FAST) is a widely used tool for detecting hemoperitoneum. The usefulness of FAST is currently limited by low sensitivity. We hypothesize rolling patients onto their right side will pool small volumes of fluid into the right upper quadrant of the abdomen leading to increased sensitivity. METHODS: Peritoneal dialysis patients were recruited for voluntary participation in a small pilot prospective clinical trial. Each participant first underwent a supine FAST followed by a 30-second roll onto the right side. Once back in the supine position, the FAST was repeated (FASTeR or FAST examination after right-sided roll). About 50 mL aliquots of dialysate were sequentially infused into the abdomen and the imaging sequence repeated until a positive finding was obtained. RESULTS: Seven patients were consented for the study. One patient was found to have an equivocal examination secondary to renal cysts. All six remaining participants converted to a positive FASTeR at an intra-abdominal fluid volume at which standard FAST was negative. CONCLUSIONS: Rolling patients to the right side increased FAST sensitivity, converting false-negative to true positives examinations. A larger study is needed to validate our preliminary data.

Hemoperitoneum and giant hepatic hematoma secondary to nasal melanoma metastases.

Nontraumatic hepatic haemorrhage is a rare emergency situation (< 1 %) that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Hepatocarcinoma and adenoma are the most common causes representing metastatic lesions a very small percentage. CT angiography is the gold standard to establish the diagnosis, allowing ruling out active bleeding. We report the case of a 58-year-old male presented at our emergency department with abdominal pain and a palpable mass in the epigastrium without a traumatic history or another clinic.

Hemoperitoneum as a precursor of deep pelvic endometriosis: prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether significant hemoperitoneum could be a precursor of deep pelvic endometriosis in non-pregnant premenopausal women presenting with severe acute lower abdominal pain. METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort study carried out at a dedicated gynecological diagnostic unit over a period of 18 months. We included consecutive non-pregnant, premenopausal women who attended with severe acute lower abdominal pain and underwent a pelvic ultrasound examination. Women were triaged for surgical or conservative management depending on the cause of pain and severity of their symptoms. Those who were selected for conservative management were invited for follow-up ultrasound scans. The main outcome measure was evidence of newly developed deep endometriosis at follow-up examination. RESULTS: Of 118 non-pregnant women who attended our unit with severe acute lower abdominal pain, 20 underwent emergency surgery and 17 had a history of endometriosis, or evidence of endometriosis on the initial scan, and were excluded from the study. Therefore, conservative management was employed in 81 women, eight of whom had evidence of significant hemoperitoneum at presentation. A total of 35 women attended for all follow-up ultrasound scans. At the completion of follow-up, four of six (67% (95% CI, 22-96%)) women who presented initially with significant intra-abdominal bleeding had developed new evidence of deep endometriosis, compared with one of 29 (3% (95% CI, 0-18%)) of those without hemoperitoneum (relative risk, 19.3 (95% CI, 3-144); P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In some women, the presence of significant hemoperitoneum that is managed conservatively precedes the development of deep endometriosis. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Subcapsular Splenic Hemorrhage in Vivax Malaria.

In malaria, splenic rupture is a serious complication potentially leading to death. Subcapsular hemorrhage of spleen is thought to be an impending sign of splenic rupture; however, the characteristics of subcapsular hemorrhage are not well known. We report 3 cases of subcapsular hemorrhage of the spleen in vivax malaria, with varying degrees of severity. Case 1 showed subcapsular hemorrhage without splenic rupture, was treated by antimalarial drug without any procedure. The healing process of the patient's spleen was monitored through 6 computed tomography follow-up examinations, over 118 days. Case 2 presented subcapsular hemorrhage with splenic rupture, treated only with an antimalarial drug. Case 3 showed subcapsular hemorrhage with splenic rupture and hypotension, treated using splenic artery embolization. They all recovered from subcapsular hemorrhage without any other complications. These 3 cases reveal the process of subcapsular hemorrhage leading to rupture and a potentially fatal outcome. The treatment plan of subcapsular hemorrhage should be determined carefully considering the vital signs, changes in hemoglobin, and bleeding tendency.