Nontraumatic intramural hematoma of the duodenum complicating warfarin therapy.

Abstract

A 74-year-old man receiving chronic anticoagulant therapy presented with symptoms of acute small bowel obstruction. He was subsequently found to have an intramural hematoma of the duodenum. Early noninvasive diagnosis was possible using computed tomography. Conservative therapy proved successful in allowing resolution of obstructive symptoms. This case illustrates the effectiveness of a conservative approach to intramural hematoma of the duodenum, even in patients requiring anticoagulation.