Hemorrhagic shock due to ruptured idiopathic intramural hematoma of the sigmoid colon—An autopsy case report

Abstract

We describe herein an autopsy case involving fatal hemorrhagic shock due to idiopathic sigmoid colonic intramural hematoma rupturing into the abdominal cavity. Antemortem computed tomography revealed a mass lesion in the sigmoid colon and a large amount of hemoperitoneum. On forensic autopsy, intramural hematoma of the sigmoid colon with ruptured serosa was identified, while the mucosa remained intact. Microscopically, hematomas were apparent, mainly in the muscularis propria. We diagnosed the cause of death as hemorrhagic shock due to idiopathic intramural hematoma of the sigmoid colon rupturing into the abdominal cavity. Although the patient had been receiving peritoneal dialysis, no relationship was identified between dialysis catheters and sigmoid colon intramural hematoma rupture. On computed tomography, the mass lesion was initially considered a submucosal neoplastic lesion or endometriotic lesion. Intramural hematoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Keywords

• Intramural hematoma
• Colon
• Idiopathic
• Forensic pathology