hematoma

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Hematoma
Classification and external resources
Haematoma on thigh, 6 days after a fall down stairs, 980ml of blood drained a few days later
ICD-10	T14.0
DiseasesDB	5487
MeSH	D006406

A haematoma, or hematoma, is a collection of blood outside the blood vessels,^[1] generally the result of hemorrhage, or more specifically, internal bleeding.

It is not to be confused with haemangioma which is an abnormal build up of blood vessels in the skin or internal organs.

Presentation

Haematoma - from Greek αίμα, haima, blood + τωμα, t-oma, indicating an abnormality.

Haematomas exist as bruises (ecchymosis), but can also develop in organs.There are two kinds, an intermuscular and intramuscular haematoma. Some haematomas form into welt-like formations that are hard to the touch. Such a formation is a sac of blood that the body creates to keep internal bleeding to a minimum. In most cases the sac of blood eventually dissolves, however, in some cases they may continue to grow or show no change. If the sac of blood does not disappear, then it may need to be surgically removed.

Haematomas can gradually migrate, as the effused cells and pigment move in the connective tissue. For example, a patient who injures the base of his thumb might cause a haematoma, which will slowly move all through the finger within a week. Gravity is the main determinant of this process.

Haematomas on articulations can reduce mobility of a member and present roughly the same symptoms as a fracture.

Types

• Head/brain:
  • Subgaleal hematoma — between the galea aponeurosis and periosteum
  • Cephalhematoma — between the periosteum and skull
  • Epidural hematoma — between the skull and dura mater
  • Subdural hematoma — between the dura mater and arachnoid mater
  • Subarachnoid hematoma — between the arachnoid mater and pia mater (the subarachnoid space)
  • Othematoma — between the skin and the layers of cartilage of the ear.

• Perichondral hematoma (ear)
• Perianal hematoma (anus)
• Subungual hematoma (nail)

Degrees of haematoma

• Petechiae - small pinpoint hematomas less than 3 mm in diameter
• Purpura - (purple) a bruise about 1 cm in diameter, generally round in shape
• Ecchymosis - hematoma greater than 3 cm
• Haematoma - bruises

Sport injuries

A common sport-related haematoma of the muscle is known as a 'cork', most commonly a "cork thigh" (quadriceps), but also calf and arm, in which the muscle is compressed against the underlying bone. Rupture of the muscle causes haematoma, resulting in swelling.^[2]

References

External links

• Hilotherapy, effective therapy to combat Hematoma

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