Delayed presentation of porta hepatis injury following blunt abdominal trauma.
A 73 year old lady developed abdominal pain, anaemia and obstructive jaundice 18 days after a road traffic accident. The jaundice was due to compression of the biliary confluence by a haematoma which was caused by a laceration of the left portal vein. The portal vein was repaired (lateral venorrhaphy) and post-operative recovery was uncomplicated. Porta hepatis injuries are difficult to diagnose and delayed presentation is not uncommon. Significant morbidity and mortality may ensue if aggressive management is not adopted.
Lau
L L
LL
Mater Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Diamond
T
T
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000368:Aged; D002780:Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000293:injuries*; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000293:injuries*; D013997:Time Factors; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology*