POSTPARTUM EXTRAPERITONEAL PELVIC HEMATOMA - IMAGING FINDINGS

Severe postpartum hemorrhage can result from laceration of the genital tract during delivery. Hematomas may occur, but they often extend dee p into the underlying tissues, frequently in the pelvic extraperitonea l space. Because of the relatively small amount of external hemorrhage , hematomas may be overlooked until the patient shows signs of shock [ 1]. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and recognition of the spread of hemat omas are essential. The purpose of this essay is to illustrate the ima ging findings of postpartum hematomas located in the extraperitoneal s pace of the pelvis.