title: Fatal retroperitoneal bleeding caused by metastasis of a sigmoid carcinoma.
abstract: Retroperitoneal bleeding is relatively rare and a potentially life-threatening condition with significant mortality. Early recognition requires a high index of suspicion. Increased life expectancy, the widespread use of anticoagulants, and the rise of endovascular interventions have caused an increase in the incidence of retroperitoneal bleeding. We present a case of a 74-year-old woman who died because of retroperitoneal bleeding caused by retroperitoneal metastasis of a sigmoid carcinoma with angioinvasive growth into a lumbar artery. In addition we discuss etiology, diagnostic management, and treatment strategy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Cornelis G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Vos
authors.forename: Arjan W J
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Hoksbergen