A Death Due to Perirenal Hematoma Complicating Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy
Additional information and reprint requests:Koichi Uemura, M.D.Section of Forensic MedicineDepartment of International Health DevelopmentDivision of Public HealthGraduate SchoolTokyo Medical and Dental University1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-kuTokyo 113-8519 Japan E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Abstract: Perirenal hematoma is an occasional complication of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) which does not usually require treatment. A 79-year-old woman died 23 h after ESWL. Forensic autopsy was performed to determine whether medical treatment contributed to her death. The cause of death was hemorrhagic shock due to massive hematoma from a ruptured small vein in the perirenal adipose capsule. No injury to other organs was found and the patient had neither coagulation abnormality nor venous disease. Perirenal hematoma can easily be diagnosed with abdominal sonography, if pain or symptoms of anemia develop. Doctors must be aware of the possibilities of severe renal hematomas after ESWL.
