Open AccessSudden death due to hemoperitoneum following rupture of cirrhosis-related mesenteric varices
Author(s) -
Michael S. Pollanen,
Sarathchandra Kodikara
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
egyptian journal of forensic sciences/egyptian journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.238
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 2090-5939
pISSN - 2090-536X
DOI - 10.1016/j.ejfs.2011.05.001
Subject(s) - hemoperitoneum , medicine , cirrhosis , varices , esophageal varices , portal hypertension , complication , portal venous pressure , abdominal trauma , radiology , blunt
Varices are caused by increased hemodynamic stress on venous channels due to portal hypertension complicating cirrhosis. Although esophageal varices are the most common site of variceal rupture in cirrhosis, mesenteric variceal rupture causing hemoperitoneum is a rare but fatal complication. There are three similar previously reported cases in the literature. We report a fatal case of hemoperitoneum in a woman caused by spontaneous rupture of mesenteric varices as a result of cirrhosis due to chronic alcoholism. The original site of hemorrhage may remain obscure if the lesion is subtle and overlooked. Therefore a diligent search for mesenteric varices is indicated in all cases with unexplained hemoperitoneum