title: Life-threatening subcutaneous hematoma caused by an axillary pad in an anticoagulated patient.
abstract: A large subcutaneous hematoma extending from the left axillary region to the left flank developed in a 70-year-old man receiving anticoagulant therapy. The cause was repeated microtrauma caused by the axillary pad on a walker. Physicians and physiotherapists should be aware that rehabilitation devices causing pressure on the skin increase hemorrhagic risk in patients taking anticoagulants. Accordingly, these patients should systematically be checked for hemorrhagic complications, and the use of such devices should be limited.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Incalzi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004438:Ecchymosis / Q000209:etiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011312:Pressure; D012307:Risk Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D014853:Walkers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin