Retroperitoneal hematoma as a complication of coronary angiography and stenting

In elderly people and those with long-standing hypertension and atherosclerotic disease, they could also be a sign of a leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).1 Although most cases are associated with trauma or leakage of an AAA, they could also be caused by vascular procedures such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), cardiac catheterization, peripheral angioplasty, valvuloplasty, and peripheral arterial access catheterization.1 These hematomas are often difficult to diagnose and could masquerade as other retroperitoneal and intestinal pathology. Other vascular complications include retroperitoneal bleeding, false aneurysms, arterial occlusion, arterial dissection, arterial laceration, arteriovenous fistula, infection, and cholesterol em-boli.4-6 There are several risk factors for the development of a postcatheterization hematoma.