Retroperitoneal hemorrhage presenting as a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
A young woman presented with acute abdominal pain, anemia, and a positive pregnancy test. At surgery a large retroperitoneal hematoma secondary to a ruptured right kidney was found. Pathological examination revealed a hematogenic necrosis of a choriocarcinoma of the kidney. The patient tolerated subsequent chemotherapy with no evidence of recurrent disease after ten months of follow-up care. The diagnosis of choriocarcinoma must always be entertained when a patient presents with a positive pregnancy test and normal pelvic examination.
Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver.
W J
WJ
Plaus
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D002822:Choriocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000293:injuries; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012421:Rupture