W Brett Davenport1, David P Taylor, Timothy C Davenport, G Rodney Meeks. 1. From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Center, Memphis Tennessee; and the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Urology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson Mississippi.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: One complication of femoral artery catheterization is postprocedure pelvic hematoma. These hematomas can be difficult to differentiate from adnexal masses. CASES: Two women who had undergone femoral artery catheterization presented with pelvic pain within 3 months of the procedure. Imaging studies revealed a nonspecific adnexal mass, and CA 125 levels were normal. Both women underwent exploratory laparotomy for an adnexal mass and were found to have an organized retroperitoneal hematoma. CONCLUSION: An organizing or well-formed retroperitoneal hematoma should be added to the differential diagnosis in a patient with a poorly defined adnexal mass who has had a recent femoral artery catheterization. In patients with a mass less than 10 cm and normal CA 125 (less than 35 units/mL), continued close observation or magnetic resonance imaging scan may be considered.
BACKGROUND: One complication of femoral artery catheterization is postprocedure pelvic hematoma. These hematomas can be difficult to differentiate from adnexal masses. CASES: Two women who had undergone femoral artery catheterization presented with pelvic pain within 3 months of the procedure. Imaging studies revealed a nonspecific adnexal mass, and CA 125 levels were normal. Both women underwent exploratory laparotomy for an adnexal mass and were found to have an organized retroperitoneal hematoma. CONCLUSION: An organizing or well-formed retroperitoneal hematoma should be added to the differential diagnosis in a patient with a poorly defined adnexal mass who has had a recent femoral artery catheterization. In patients with a mass less than 10 cm and normal CA 125 (less than 35 units/mL), continued close observation or magnetic resonance imaging scan may be considered.