Duodenal hematoma: multiple etiologies for an underestimated diagnosis. Case series

Duodenal hematoma refers to the accumulation of blood in the wall of the duodenum due to a vascular rupture of the subserosa layer. The most common etiologies are closed abdominal trauma, coagulation disorders, pancreatitis, iatrogenesis, and vasculitis, among others. It can manifest as acute abdomen, intestinal obstruction, or with non-spe-cific symptoms. For diagnosis, it is essential to consider risk factors and support with imaging studies. In this paper, three cases of duodenal hematoma in patients of different ages are described with ultrasound and/or tomographic records.