Traumatic Acute Colonic Intramural Hematoma: A Rare Entity and Successful Expectant Approach

A Rare Case of Traumatic Colonic Intramural Hematoma in Saudi Arabia

Colonic intramural hematomas are rarely encountered clinically. They are most commonly caused by blunt trauma to the abdomen. Diagnosis is usually reached by a combination of a detailed history, physical examination, and radiological investigations. A 14-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain with a history of a go-karting accident. Upon physical examination, the patient was tachycardic and hypertensive, with right-side abdominal tenderness and fullness. After going through routine radiological investigations, a computed tomography scan showed a large intramural hematoma of the ascending colon measuring around 7.7 x 8.4 x 2 cm. The patient was admitted for conservative management. Throughout her admission, serial examinations were performed, which showed improvement in the patient's condition and the size of the hematoma. The patient was discharged in a stable condition after showing good recovery. Following up with the patient a month later, she was in good condition with no active complaints, and an ultrasound was done that revealed complete resolution. To our understanding, this report of colonic intramural hematoma caused by the unusual etiology of the go-karting accident, which was successfully managed conservatively, adds significantly to the literature.

A Case of Idiopathic Colonic Intramural Hematoma: Successful Expectant Management

Intramural gastrointestinal hematomas are commonly observed following abdominal trauma or are associated with coagulopathy disorders. In contrast, idiopathic gastrointestinal hematoma is rare, and colonic involvement is sporadic, with very few published reports. We report the case of a 29-year-old female who presented with right hypogastric pain over the last three days. Abdominal CT with contrast revealed an 8.5 × 6 × 7.5 cm pre-occlusive intramural hematoma of the ascending colon up to the hepatic flexure with diffuse edematous wall thickening, indicating colonic obstruction. On colonoscopy, the site of the intramural hematoma was identified without active bleeding or obvious pathology, and the colonoscope successfully passed through the region. The patient was managed conservatively. A month later, abdominal CT revealed complete resolution of the colonic hematoma. After two months of follow-up, the patient was free from gastrointestinal symptoms. In conclusion, idiopathic colon intramural hematoma is rare, with a challenge in diagnosis and treatment; efforts should be made to treat it with conservative therapy.

Perspectives and Management Strategies for Acute Colonic Intramural Hematoma

Acute intramural hematoma of the colon is a rarely encountered clinical condition with diverse precipitating factors. Different acute and chronic complications emerge following hematoma formation, mandating high clinical suspicion for early diagnosis and optimum management. CECT represents the cornerstone for the proper demonstration of colonic hematomas and possible detection of complications as well as the underlying etiology. There are multiple strategies for management of intramural hematoma and treatment should be tailored according to the etiology and the clinical condition of the patient, reserving surgical intervention for unstable or complicated cases. Endoscopic management of colonic hematomas offers a promising minimally invasive modality with potential safety and efficacy.