Duodenal hematoma in infancy and childhood: changing etiology and changing treatment

Symptomatic duodenal intramural hematoma caused by weight training: a report of two cases

Symptoms of traumatic duodenal intramural hematoma, a rare disease caused by trauma, blood disease, or antithrombotic therapy, can include abdominal pain. Case 1 is that of a 35-year-old man at a gym who dropped a 100 kg barbell on his abdomen. It was diagnosed as a duodenal obstruction caused by a traumatic intestinal wall hematoma. In Case 2, a 16-year-old male adolescent performing deadlift training at a gym had subsequent abdominal pain. It was diagnosed as intestinal wall hematoma. Both patients improved with conservative treatment. Malignancy is sometimes suspected from imaging findings. Detailed patient history and imaging studies can avoid unnecessary surgery.

Duodenal injuries due to trauma: Review of the literature

Duodenal injuries constitute a challenge to the Trauma Surgeon, mainly due to their retroperitoneal location. When identified, they present associated with other abdominal injuries. Consequently, they have an increased morbidity and mortality. At best estimates, duodenal lesions occur in 4.3% of all patients with abdominal injuries, ranging from 3.7% to 5%, and because of their anatomical proximity to other organs, they are rarely an isolated injury. The aim of this paper is to present a concise description of the anatomy, diagnosis, surgical management and treatment of complications of duodenal trauma, and an analysis of complications and mortality rates of duodenal injuries based on a 46-year review of the literature.

Obstrução duodenal por hematoma parietal pós-trauma: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Os hematomas parietais de alças intestinais por trauma abdominal fechado, determinando rápida obstrução luminal, são lesões raras e podem ser confundidas com afecções neoplásicas estenosantes (parietais ou por mecanismo de compressão extrínseca). Neste estudo é relatado um caso de obstrução intestinal por hematoma parietal da terceira porção duodenal pós-trauma e são discutidos o diagnóstico por imagem e o tratamento para tal obstrução.

Laparoscopic drainage of an intramural duodenal haematoma: a novel technique and review of the literature

Intramural Duodenal Haematoma (IDH) is an uncommon complication of blunt abdominal trauma. IDH's are most often treated non-operatively. We describe laparoscopic treatment of an IDH after failed conservative management. To our knowledge, successful laparoscopic drainage of an IDH in an adult has not been described previously in the literature.

Imaging diagnosis--spontaneous intramural canine duodenal hematoma

A 9-year-old neutered female Pug with a 2-week history of pancreatitis was presented for dyspnea, icterus, and intractable vomiting. Sonographically, the gallbladder, intrahepatic bile ducts, and common bile duct were distended. The pancreas was hypoechoic with hyperechoic peripancreatic fat. A mildly heterogeneous intramural mass was present in the muscularis layer of the descending duodenum. A presumptive diagnosis of pancreatitis and smooth muscle tumor of the duodenum leading to common bile duct obstruction was made. The dog died despite supportive care. Necropsy examination confirmed the presence of pancreatitis and an intramural duodenal hematoma.

From the archives of the AFIP. Child abuse: radiologic-pathologic correlation

In the United States, roughly one of every 100 children is subjected to some form of neglect or abuse; inflicted injury is responsible for approximately 1,200 deaths per year. Child physical abuse may manifest as virtually any injury pattern known to medicine. Some of the injuries observed in battered children are relatively unique to this population (especially when observed in infants) and therefore are highly suggestive of nonaccidental, or inflicted, injury. Worrisome injuries include rib fracture, metaphyseal fracture, interhemispheric extraaxial hemorrhage, shear-type brain injury, vertebral compression fracture, and small bowel hematoma and laceration. As noted, however, virtually any injury may be inflicted; therefore, careful consideration of the nature of the injury, the developmental capabilities of the child, and the given history are crucial to determine the likelihood that an injury was inflicted. The majority of these injuries are readily detectable at imaging, and radiologic examination forms the mainstay of evaluation of child physical abuse. Detection of metaphyseal fracture (regarded as the most specific radiographically detectable injury in abuse) depends on high-quality, small field-of-view radiographs. The injury manifests radiographically as a lucent area within the subphyseal metaphysis, extending completely or partially across the metaphysis, roughly perpendicular to the long axis of the bone. Acute rib fractures (which in infants are strongly correlated with abuse) appear as linear lucent areas. They may be difficult to discern when acute; thus, follow-up radiography increases detection of these fractures. For skull injuries, radiography is best for detecting fractures, but computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging best depict intracranial injury.

Intraduodenal hematoma complicating intestinal biopsy: case reports and review of the literature

We report two cases of postbiopsy duodenal hematoma and review 14 additional cases. Duodenal hematoma predominantly occurs in children and presents with abdominal pain, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Upper gastrointestinal series, abdominal ultrasound, and CT scan are useful in visualizing the hematoma. No comparative studies of the usefulness of these techniques are available, but a CT is indicated if perforation is suspected. The treatment is conservative if no perforation is detected, and resolution of symptoms generally occurs within 2 wk.

Intramural post-traumatic haematomas of the duodenum: are there any late sequelae of operative intervention?

The data of nine children with post-traumatic intramural haematoma of the duodenum treated in Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital of Athens from 1967 to 1980 were retrospectively analysed. Diagnosis was preoperative in all but two children, in whom diagnosis was made during laparotomy. All but one were managed by operative intervention which consisted of simple evacuation of the haematoma and closure of the serosal incision in two out of eight children. Six out of eight children operated on were followed up for 15 years, during which they were free of symptoms. Hypotonic duodenography performed in the above patients was negative for deformity or stricture of the duodenum.

A case of traumatic intramural hematoma of the duodenum effectively treated with ultrasonically guided aspiration drainage and endoscopic balloon catheter dilation

A 52-year-old man was admitted on February 15, 1990, with hiccups and vomiting. He had been well until 13 days before admission when he stumbled and fell when intoxicated, striking his abdomen. A diagnosis of intramural hematoma was made with computerized tomography and sonography of the abdomen after admission, revealing a mass that was intimately related to the duodenum. Treatment of the intramural duodenal hematoma is controversial. However, this case illustrates the ideal situation where conservative management could be applied with total parenteral nutrition, percutaneous aspiration drainage, and endoscopic balloon catheter dilatation of the narrowed lumen of the duodenum. The patient's subsequent course supports the concept of planned conservative management.

Initial evaluation of the patient with blunt abdominal trauma

Unrecognized abdominal injury remains a distressingly frequent cause of preventable death following blunt trauma. Peritoneal signs are often subtle, overshadowed by pain from associated injury, and masked by head trauma or intoxicants. The initial management of the patient with blunt abdominal trauma should parallel the primary survey of airway, breathing, and circulation. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage remains the cornerstone of triage in patients with life-threatening blunt abdominal trauma. The only absolute contraindication to the procedure is an existing indication for laparotomy. Computed tomography is useful as a complementary diagnostic tool in selected patients, and it is the critical test for guiding nonoperative management of known intraperitoneal trauma. Routine ancillary tests for potentially occult injuries include nasogastric-tube placement for ruptures of the left diaphragm, Gastrografin contrast study for duodenum perforation, and pyelography for urologic injury. Ultrasonography may become a valuable tool in the initial assessment of the injured abdomen. Ultimately, the most important principle in the management of blunt abdominal trauma is repeat physical examination by an experienced surgeon.

Duodenal injuries

The lethal potential of duodenal trauma relates to the severity of the defect, associated injuries, expedient diagnosis, and adequacy of repair. A high index of suspicion must be used in patients sustaining blunt abdominal trauma. An aggressive approach to penetrating abdominal trauma will detect the majority of duodenal injuries in a timely fashion. The unique anatomic and physiologic characteristics of the duodenum demand careful selection of the operative repair to fit the injury. A classification scheme is reviewed that should help the surgeon select the appropriate procedure from a multitude of choices. Standard postoperative care is required. Adherence to these principles should result in acceptable morbidity and mortality in patients with duodenal injuries.

Gastrointestinal injuries in childhood: analysis of 53 patients

Gastrointestinal injuries were noted in 53 children. Blunt trauma was responsible for 51 cases, and penetrating wounds in two. There were 42 boys and 11 girls (mean age, 8.1 years). The site of injury was the stomach (2), duodenum (17), jejunum (19), and ileum (15). Types of injury included two gastric perforations, 16 duodenal hematomas, one duodenal laceration, 27 jejunoileal perforations, five mesenteric avulsions, one abdominal wall laceration and evisceration, and one entrapment necrosis between lumbar vertebrae. Diagnosis was accomplished by observing free air on x-ray, with contrast (duodenal haematoma), computed tomography, and frequent examination (noting peritoneal irritation). Thirty-four associated injuries occurred in 21 patients (40%) including the liver (6), pancreas (6), skeletal injury (6), head trauma (5), diaphragm (4), lung (3), spleen (2), and kidney (2). Nine of 16 duodenal hematomas resolved non-operatively, while seven were evacuated during other procedures. Twenty-three of 30 perforations had simple closure, while seven (jejunoileal) were resected. Mesenteric avulsions required resection in five cases--the eviscerated bowel was replaced and the entrapped bowel resected. Twenty complications occurred in 13 patients, including atelectases (6), pseudocyst (5), sepsis (4), wound infection (2), subhepatic abscess (1), subglottic stenosis (1), and short bowel syndrome (1). One infant (aged 2 months) with a duodenal laceration died of head injuries (1/53 = 1.8% mortality). Prompt recognition and appropriate treatment result in improved survival.

Intramural haematoma of the alimentary tract in children

Thirteen children with intramural haematoma of the alimentary tract were treated in Chulalongkorn University Hospital during an 8-year period (1978-1986). A history of trauma was obtained in 11 cases, 1 case presented as a result of a coagulation defect secondary to a haematotoxic snake bite and no causative factor was apparent in 1 patient. Profound vomiting with abdominal pain is the typical presentation. Upper gastrointestinal contrast study is usually characteristic and diagnostic. Conservative treatment was successful in 12 of the cases with no morbidity and mortality.

Blunt injury to the pancreas in children: selective management based on ultrasound

Twenty-one children with blunt injuries to the pancreas were treated over a 5-year period. Group I consisted of 12 patients brought to our hospital within 24 hours of injury. Group II included nine patients who were referred to us more than 24 hours after injury following initial treatment at another hospital. Two group I patients died within four hours of admission from other causes. Three had early laparotomy for other injuries. Of these, two had a contusion and one had a complete transection of the pancreas. All recovered uneventfully after appropriate surgical treatment. The remaining seven were all treated nonoperatively. Two had obstructive pancreatitis secondary to duodenal hematomas, three had pancreatic contusions, and two developed pancreatic pseudocysts. All seven recovered completely without operation. In group II, three patients had undergone laparotomy elsewhere. All three had pancreatic contusions. However, only one had appropriate drainage of the injured pancreas; he recovered uneventfully. Two, who were not drained, developed pseudocysts and one of these required surgical drainage by cystgastrostomy. The other six patients in group II presented to our hospital with established pseudocysts. Three of these resolved with nonoperative treatment but three required drainage. Overall, six of ten posttraumatic pancreatic pseudocysts resolved without surgical treatment. The single most useful diagnostic test in the management of these patients was abdominal ultrasound (US). US revealed specific anatomic lesions of the pancreas--contusion, obstructive pancreatitis, or pseudocyst--and provided an objective guide to management. Surgical intervention is not necessary in all cases of pancreatic trauma.

Traumatic duodenal hematoma in the pediatric patient

Twenty children with duodenal hematomas secondary to blunt trauma were treated between 1953 and 1983. The duodenal injury was isolated in ten cases and associated with intra-abdominal injuries in the others. In ten, the duodenal injury was suspected on admission and the diagnosis was confirmed within 24 hours by radiographic contrast studies. All ten were managed successfully with nasogastric suction and intravenous fluids. Ten patients underwent laparotomy for increasing abdominal tenderness and guarding. An isolated duodenal hematoma was found in four and treated by evacuation and/or gastroenterostomy. In five of the remaining six surgical patients, all of whom had multiple intra-abdominal injuries, the duodenum was left untouched. Three of these patients had postoperative contrast studies that showed early resolution of the duodenal hematoma. No duodenal stricture or leak developed in any patient. The children with isolated duodenal hematomas who were treated conservatively had a mean hospital stay of six days, whereas those treated surgically had a mean stay of 17 days. The ten patients with multiple intra-abdominal injuries had a mean hospital stay of 32 days. In this group, eight required total parenteral nutrition or nasojejunal feeds for nutritional support. In these patients, an isolated duodenal hematoma resulted in minimal morbidity and nonoperative management was usually successful. The presence of associated intra-abdominal injuries was responsible for the prolonged hospitalization and delayed return of normal intestinal function in some patients.

Computed tomography of obstructive jaundice secondary to duodenal hematoma

Duodenal hematoma is an unusual condition, usually secondary to blunt abdominal trauma. Even more unusual is the rare development of obstructive jaundice and the attendant computed tomography findings. Nontraumatic causes of duodenal hematoma are also discussed.