Abdominal pain after lumbar trauma
A 33 year old female involved in a car accident presented with abdominal pain and anemia. US and CT were performed showing an hematoma involving the left psoas muscle and the left pararenal space.
The psoas muscle and the pararenal space may be primary affected in many pathological process and also they may be involved by diseases originating in adjacent retroperitoneal structures. Retroperitoneal hemorrage, due to rupture of aortic aneurysm, chronic use of anticoagulants, pelvic fracture, traumatic lesions of parenchymal organs, invasive diagnostic procedures, shapes the picture of the retroperitoneal hematoma. Symptoms depend on the cause and the entity of the bloody loss. Retroperitoneal hemorrage is the cause of anemia and hypovolemic shock because of the retroperitoneal space may act as a reservoir, and large quantities of blood may be accumulated within the space. Generally pain is present due to nerve and peritoneal plexi stimulation or distension. Lately can be observed ecchimothic areas at lumbar level, along the flanks and at the bottom of the scrotum (Clibert's sign). Therapy is causal; evolution and prognosis depend on early diagnosis of the cause. Retroperitoneal hemorrage may be difficult to prove, particularly in patient without a history of anticoagulation therapy or trauma. A retroperitoneal hematoma is demonstrable by CT as an abnormal mass obliterating the retroperitoneal space that can explain patient's drop in hematocrit.
Psoas and pararenal space hematoma
From the provided abdominal CT images, a large soft-tissue density shadow is observed in the right psoas major region and the adjacent retroperitoneal space. On some slices, it appears as a round or oval lesion with higher density compared to the surrounding normal tissue. The margins are not well-defined, and nearby structures (kidneys, lumbar vertebrae, etc.) are displaced, but there is no obvious evidence of organ rupture. No clear disruption of bony continuity or vertebral fractures is seen. The kidneys and adjacent structures appear largely normal, though the presence of fluid or blood within and around the psoas muscle cannot be excluded. Overall, the findings suggest a suspected retroperitoneal hematoma.
Considering that the patient is a 33-year-old female who experienced trauma followed by abdominal and lower back pain, and given that the CT scans show a substantial retroperitoneal mass with mixed high density, together with the possibility of decreased hemoglobin levels and shock, the most likely diagnosis is a trauma-induced retroperitoneal hematoma. If conditions allow, laboratory tests (including hemoglobin levels, white blood cell count, coagulation function, etc.) and follow-up imaging studies should be performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of bleeding.
Because a retroperitoneal hematoma can cause pain and potentially compromise hemodynamic stability, strict bed rest and monitoring of vital signs are essential during the initial phase. Once the hematoma stabilizes and clinical/laboratory indicators improve, progressive exercise initiation can follow:
Pay close attention to the patient’s pain level, blood pressure, heart rate, and other discomforts throughout rehabilitation. If severe pain, dizziness, or tachycardia occurs, stop exercising immediately and consult the attending physician or physical therapist for further evaluation.
Disclaimer: This report is a reference analysis based on the currently available information and cannot replace an in-person consultation or professional medical advice. Please seek further clinical evaluation and treatment under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals.
Psoas and pararenal space hematoma