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Case Reports
. 2015 Apr 17;9(1):93-100.
doi: 10.1159/000381305. eCollection 2015 Jan-Apr.

Alcohol abuse and alcoholic liver cirrhosis leading to spontaneous muscle hematoma: an event fraught with danger

Ankit Mangla  1 , Hussein Hamad  1 , Udit Yadav  1 , Margaret Telfer  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Alcohol abuse and alcoholic liver cirrhosis leading to spontaneous muscle hematoma: an event fraught with danger

Ankit Mangla et al. Case Rep Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Alcohol abuse is associated with both potentiating and antagonizing hemostatic states. Liver cirrhosis is an independent causal factor for many bleeding complications. The long-term effects of alcohol abuse coupled with advanced liver cirrhosis are additive in favor of bleeding. We report the case of a patient with a history of alcohol abuse who presented with liver cirrhosis and nontraumatic muscle hematoma diagnosed as a spontaneous hematoma of the gastrocnemius muscle. He was managed conservatively with infusions of fresh frozen plasma and platelets, which resulted in resolution of the hematoma. The pathogenesis of 'spontaneous' muscle hematoma remains anecdotal, but since it is reported in patients on anticoagulant therapy or with hemostatic disorders, it is hypothetically related to severely deranged coagulation. Here we review the relevant literature pertaining to the pathogenesis, presentation and treatment options available for treating this often fatal complication of bleeding diatheses.

Keywords: Alcohol abuse; Alcoholic liver cirrhosis; Spontaneous muscle hematoma.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Back of the leg showing extensive discoloration of the skin and extension of hematoma under the skin.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Computed tomography scan without contrast of the extremity showing subtle changes of the hematoma primarily in the calf muscle.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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