Large Psoas Hematoma Complicating Anti-coagulant Therapy Poses a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

Abstract

Spontaneous psoas haematoma in patients on anti-coagulant therapy is a rare phenomenon. It poses a real diagnostic problem and a real therapeutic challenge. We report the case of a 51 year old patient, under anti-vitamin K (acenocoumarone) following a stenosante and tricuspid mitral plasty who presented with right lumbar pain radiating to the lower limb leading to functional impotence. Clinically, he was hemodynamically stable with a hematoma measuring 88x29 mm and extending to 161 mm. The ultrasound scan showed a large collection at the expense of the lumbar psoas muscle and the CT scan showed a swollen appearance of the right psoas muscle in its iliac portion. Management was conservative: discontinuation of anti-vitamin K, bed rest, antibiotic therapy, and monitoring (clinical, biological and radiological). The ultimate outcome was favourable.