The "Bladder sign"-An important early marker of retroperitoneal hemorrhage

• Published in: Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions Vol. 79; no. 1; pp. 158 - 165
• Main Authors: Freilich, Mark I., Gossman, David E., Applegate, Robert J., Werns, Steven W., Gips, Sanford J., Turi, Zoltan G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.01.2012
• Subjects: Aged; Cardiac Catheterization - adverse effects; Catheterization, Peripheral - adverse effects; complications; Contrast Media; Early Diagnosis; Fatal Outcome; Female; femoral artery; Hemorrhage - diagnostic imaging; Hemorrhage - etiology; Hemorrhage - therapy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Radiography, Interventional; retroperitoneal space; Retroperitoneal Space - diagnostic imaging; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Bladder - diagnostic imaging
• ISSN: 1522-1946; 1522-726X
• DOI: 10.1002/ccd.23141

Retroperitoneal hemorrhage remains one of the major complications of cardiac and peripheral vascular catheterization. Its high associated morbidity and mortality require vigilance and early intervention. We report six cases of retroperitoneal hemorrhage featuring a “bladder sign.” The compression of the bladder described in this series can be visualized on the incidental cystogram that results from contrast given during catheterization. Its significance as a highly specific marker of retroperitoneal hemorrhage should be appreciated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc