# Spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage after pulmonary endarterectomy surgery

## TL;DR

A 73-year-old man developed a rare retroperitoneal hematoma after pulmonary endarterectomy surgery and was successfully treated without surgery.

## Contribution

This case report highlights conservative management as a viable option for spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma.

## Key findings

- A patient presented with iliopsoas hematoma 25 days after pulmonary endarterectomy.
- Conservative treatment led to stabilization of the hematoma without surgical intervention.
- The patient was on anticoagulation following institutional protocol for PEA patients.

## Abstract

Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma (SRH) is a rare complication of anticoagulation therapy. Presentation may vary from limb paresis to hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. The optimal treatment is controversial. It can be managed conservatively or surgically. We report a case of a 73-year-old man presenting with progressively worsening abdominal pain and severe pain radiating to his left lower limb twenty-five days after his pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) surgery. He was on anticoagulation per our institutional protocol for PEA patients. Investigations revealed a large, spontaneously occurring iliopsoas hematoma. Our patient was treated conservatively, and the SRH stabilised.