Spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage secondary to anticoagulation polypharmacy

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Aug 17;14(8):e242934. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242934.

Abstract

Retroperitoneal haemorrhage (RH) is not uncommon in patients with provoking events like trauma. However, spontaneous RH (SRH) is a rare and life-threatening complication described as the development of bleeding into the retroperitoneal cavity, appearing spontaneously and without a preceding history of trauma or other predisposing illness. We are reporting a case of an elderly patient with recurrent deep vein thrombosis who had developed SRH secondary to concurrent use of multiple anticoagulation agents, resulting from poor healthcare follow-up and lack of sufficient medication reconciliation. This article highlights the significance of recognising risk factors for SRH, as well as management strategies through literature review.

Keywords: cardiovascular medicine; disease and health outcomes; drug interactions; pharmacokinetics; safety.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Blood Coagulation
  • Hemorrhage* / chemically induced
  • Hemorrhage* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Polypharmacy*
  • Retroperitoneal Space

Substances

  • Anticoagulants