A splenic hematoma is when there’s a build-up of blood in the spleen or below the splenic capsule of the spleen. Like most hematomas, splenic hematomas are the result of a burst blood vessel caused by trauma. In the case of a splenic hematoma, it’s usually trauma to the abdomen that causes damage to the spleen, resulting in a hematoma. However, this condition can also stem from a clotting disorder, medications, or a co-existing condition.
Traditionally, the only way to manage and repair a splenic hematoma was with surgery. However, depending on the location and damage caused by the hematoma, it may be possible to manage your condition and wait things out. Either way, it’s important to know how to identify a splenic hematoma and seek a medical diagnosis so that you can receive the necessary treatment. If left untended, splenic hematomas can cause further damage and complications, potentially resulting in death.
Because of how serious splenic hematomas can be, it’s important to know their signs and symptoms so you can seek medical attention. Like most forms of internal abdominal bleeding, however, splenic hematomas don’t always cause visible symptoms. However, the longer that blood is allowed to pool and clot, the more severe the hematoma will be and the more obvious the symptoms. Here’s what to watch out for.
It is difficult to know when a person is experiencing symptoms related to a splenic hematoma or another condition. However, a key thing to understand is that if these symptoms follow trauma or a blow to the abdomen, a hematoma is likely.
The most common cause of a splenic hematoma is trauma to the abdominal area. This trauma then results in a burst blood vessel and ensuing clot, which causes a hematoma or build-up of blood in the spleen. In addition to trauma, splenic hematomas can also be caused by the following.
Certain medications can lead to a splenic hematoma and subsequent ruptured spleen.
Certain clotting disorders can lead to an unwanted build-up of blood in and around the spleen.
There are also several cancerous and noncancerous tumours in the spleen that can lead to splenic hematomas.
If you suspect that you have a splenic hematoma, you should seek a medical diagnosis for confirmation. To diagnose you, your doctor will start by asking about your health history and whether or not you suffered a recent abdominal trauma. If you have suffered recent trauma or have one of the above risk factors, your doctor will perform further testing to check for a hematoma. Further testing includes the following.
Xray’s, CT scans, and ultrasounds are useful for visually checking for internal bleeding in the spleen.
Your doctor may also insert a needle into the splenic area to check for blood. If they draw blood, it means there’s bleeding in the spleen.
Traditionally, splenic hematomas were always treated with emergency surgery to stop the bleeding and repair the damage that caused it. However, recent studies and cases are showing that simply monitoring and managing the hematoma may be more effective. Depending on what caused your hematoma and how severe it is, it may resolve on its own. If your doctor prefers this method, they will also use medications to manage pain and your symptoms.
However, it’s vital that you allow a doctor to examine the splenic hematoma and make an evaluation. Leaving a hematoma unrepaired when surgery is necessary could result in death or serious health complications.