Exsanguinating hemorrhage from a caput medusae: cutaneous variceal bleeding.
We report the case of a 45-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with massive umbilical hemorrhage from a cutaneous varix. The patient had a long-standing history of alcohol-related liver disease and ascites. Her clinical course was complicated by coagulopathy and hemorrhagic shock, and she ultimately expired. Ectopic or nongastroesophageal bleeding constitutes a significant site of variceal hemorrhage. In this report we review the literature and explore methods of treatment.
Bahner
D R
DR
Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville.
Holland
R W
RW
D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications; D008108:Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D014472:Umbilicus; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy