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ABSTRACT: Introduction
Bleeding in the retroperitoneal space is a serious complication. Hypovolemia and shock develop late after losing a large volume of blood. However, point of care ultrasound (POCUS) examinations in adult patients with shock do not include the retroperitoneal space.Case presentation
We present the case of a 74-year-old male with ischemic heart disease on dual antiplatelet. He developed vague abdominal pain and hemoglobin drop without overt bleeding source until he developed shock. Modified POCUS examination that included the retroperitoneal space detected the bleeding source and confirmed later by computerized tomography of the abdomen. The case was managed conservatively.Clinical discussion
The risk factors associated with the formation of spontaneous retroperitoneal hematomas are age above 70 years and dual antiplatelet therapy. The initial integration of point-of-care ultrasound into the assessment of shocked patients leads to an earlier and accurate initial diagnosis with a clear patient care plan. POCUS should include the retroperitoneal space examination in every patient presenting with shock.Conclusion
In patients with unexplained hemorrhagic shock, a modified POCUS protocol could help by including an examination of the retroperitoneal space in the assessment.
SUBMITTER: Bitar ZI
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8857422 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
International journal of surgery case reports 20220212
<h4>Introduction</h4>Bleeding in the retroperitoneal space is a serious complication. Hypovolemia and shock develop late after losing a large volume of blood. However, point of care ultrasound (POCUS) examinations in adult patients with shock do not include the retroperitoneal space.<h4>Case presentation</h4>We present the case of a 74-year-old male with ischemic heart disease on dual antiplatelet. He developed vague abdominal pain and hemoglobin drop without overt bleeding source until he devel ...[more]