Idiopathic spontaneous intraperitoneal hemorrhage: A clinical update on abdominal apoplexy in the year 2001

Idiopathic spontaneous intraperitoneal hemorrhage is a rare and often fatal condition that has been historically referred to as abdominal apoplexy. Th e presentation varies widely, and preoperative diagnosis is seldom obtained . Immediate surgical exploration remains the treatment of choice, At the ti me of exploration a through examination of the visceral arteries and solid organs should be done, as these are common sites for intra-abdominal bleedi ng, Often the site of hemorrhage cannot be localized at time of surgery des pite thorough exploration. Today a postoperative diagnosis can often be con firmed and treated with interventional radiology, In rare cases the site of bleeding remains unknown despite intraoperative exploration and radiograph ic studies.