Posttraumatic haemoperitoneum from ectopic varices: a rare case of an atypical primary clinical presentation in a patient with liver cirrhosis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14860463

Keywords:

ectopic varices, portal hypertension, hemoperitoneum, hemorrhagic shock, laparotomy

Abstract

Introduction: Ectopic varices are uncommon in portal hypertension and can occur anywhere in the digestive tract but are most commonly seen at the gastroesophageal junction. Bleeding from ectopic varices is often a massive and life-threatening condition. Diagnosis is often difficult, and optimal treatment has not been established.
Clinical case: We present a case of a 56-yearold man admitted to the emergency department (ED) with complaints of sudden, severe pain in the upper half of the abdomen that appeared after trauma in the home. The patient has an anaemic syndrome, hypotension and hemorrhagic shock. A CT – angiography (CTA) of the chest and abdomen does not confirm acute dissection or aneurysmal dilations of the aorta. Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen identified an intramural hematoma along the posterior wall of the stomach with hemoperitoneum. The patient underwent emergency surgery, and definitive hemostasis was performed.
Conclusion: Intraperitoneal bleeding from ectopic varices in liver cirrhosis is a rare, lifethreatening condition. Recognition and prompt diagnosis can bea life-saving treatment in cirrhotic patients characterized by high morbidity and mortality.

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Published

01.09.2023

Issue

Section

CASE REPORT

How to Cite

Arabadzhiev, A., Popov , T., Maslyankov, S., Pavlov, V., Ilinov, V., & Sokolov, M. (2023). Posttraumatic haemoperitoneum from ectopic varices: a rare case of an atypical primary clinical presentation in a patient with liver cirrhosis. Surgery, 87(3), 123-127. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14860463