Spontaneous intramural hematoma of the small intestine

BACKGROUND Spontaneous intramural hematoma of the small intestine is a rare clinical condition that may result in potentially serious complications. The purpose of this study was to present our experience with the diagnosis and management of spontaneous intramural hematoma of the small intestine. METHODS The medical records of the patients with spontaneous intramural hematoma of the small intestine were retrospectively reviewed. Six patients were included in this study. RESULTS Anticoagulation therapy and factor VIII deficiency were found to be responsible for the intramural hemorrhage in five patients (83%) and one patient, respectively. Acute abdominal pain followed by nausea and vomiting were the most common presenting symptoms. Abdominal computed tomography scan was diagnostic in five of the six patients. Four patients were followed up with conservative therapy. Surgical intervention was required in two patients due to acute abdomen. All patients were discharged from the hospital uneventfully. CONCLUSION The patient's medical history, physical examination and radiological evaluation proved adequate for the diagnosis. Conservative therapy provides regression of the hematoma in most patients. Surgery should be reserved only for the complicated cases.