Massive retroperitoneal hematoma caused by intercostal artery bleeding after blunt trauma: a case report

Abstract Background The occurrence of massive retroperitoneal hematoma caused by intercostal artery bleeding is exceedingly uncommon. Case presentation A middle-aged male presented to the hospital after a fall. Computed tomography scan revealed a massive retroperitoneal hematoma without any evidence of organ or major vessel rupture. The angiogram revealed extravasation from a branch of the twelfth intercostal artery, and successful transcatheter arterial embolization was performed on this specific artery. Conclusions The possibility of intercostal artery rupture should be considered in cases of retroperitoneal hematomas, and accurate diagnosis can be achieved through imaging studies. Transcatheter arterial embolization represents an effective treatment modality.