2001 Volume 10 Issue 7 Pages 465-468
Retroperitoneal hemorrhage is often life-threatening. Pelvic fracture is well known as a major cause of retroperitoneal hemorrhage, but instances caused by lumbar arterial injury are extreamly rare. A 56-year-old man who sustained hemorrhagic shock associated with lumbar and pelvic fracture was admitted. His blood pressure gradually fell in spite of the administration of crystalloid and electrolyte solution. Abdominal CT scans showed retroperitoneal hematoma. Extravasation of the second and third lumbar arterial branches were observed on abdominal aortography. Selective lumbar arteriography was performed, and the injured vessels were embolized with sponsels and coils. Embolization was effective in controlling hemorrhage from the lumbar arteries.
