Abstract 15478: Obscure Back Pain - A Case of Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Bleed

Abstract

Introduction: We present a case of spontaneous retroperitoneal bleed that presented as back pain until it required multiple transfusions. Case presentation: A 66-year-old gentleman with past medical history of only dyslipidemia, presented with chest pain and was found to have an anterior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction. He underwent stenting to proximal LAD and was found to be in cardiogenic shock with elevated biventricular filling pressures and ejection fraction of 5-10%. IABP was inserted, which had to be upgraded to axillary Impella 5.5 the next day, and LVAD workup was initiated. He gradually improved with decreasing Impella needs when he started complaining of back pain 5 days into his admission. At the same time, his Impella requirements started to go up. He went on to develop sweating, pallor & hemodynamic compromise. Since he was on anticoagulation due to Impella, a CT scan was obtained, which showed a spontaneous left-sided retroperitoneal bleed (F1) (IABP had been on the right side) and drop in hemoglobin from 15.8 mg/dl on admission to 7.2 mg/dl. He went on to develop hemorrhagic shock requiring massive blood product transfusion with subsequent vessel embolization by interventional radiology. Afterwards, he continued to improve, and Impella was eventually removed. Later in the course, he had another drop in hemoglobin & was taken back for CT, which showed expanding retroperitoneal hematoma (F2). Hematology team was consulted due to 2 spontaneous bleeds; however, no underlying bleeding disorder was suspected. He stabilized; was weaned off of Impella and, was subsequently discharged on milrinone infusion. Conclusions: We conclude that providers highly suspect retroperitoneal bleeds in the proper clinical setting for optimum patient care.