Musculoskeletal CT Appearances
Muscular Hematoma CT Findings
- Diffuse involvement of the muscle(s)
- May be traumatic or spontaneous
- Hematoma is initially the same density as circulating blood, but decreases over time
- Hyperdense lesion may be early sign
- Hematoma usually better seen with IV contrast
Other Information About Muscular Hematoma
Etiology:
- Trauma is most common
- Anticoagulant therapy
- Hemophilia
Epidemiology:
- More common in people of older age
- Anticoagulant usage or patients with blood clotting disorders are more susceptible to hematoma
Presentation:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (bruising)
- Depending on where the hematoma occurs, it may also cause hematuria, headache, confusion, seizures, stiffness or paralysis, and/or weakness
Prognosis:
- Prognosis varies greatly case by case
- Most hematomas can heal on their own but more serious (larger) hematomas will require medical or surgical intervention