Spontaneous Soft Tissue Hematomas in Patients with Coagulation Impairment: Safety and Efficacy of Transarterial Embolization

The aim of this study is to report the authors’ experience of percutaneous transarterial embolization (TAE) in patients with spontaneous soft tissue hematomas (SSTH) and active bleeding with anticoagulation impairment. The study retrospectively identified 78 patients who received a diagnosis of SSTH by CT scan and underwent TAE between 2010 and 2019 in a single trauma center. The patients were stratified using Popov classification into categories: 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3. The patient’s 30-day survival after TAE was considered the primary outcome; immediate technical success, the need for additional TAE, and TAE-related complications were considered secondary outcomes. Immediate technical success, complication rate, and risk factors for death were analyzed. Follow-up stopped on day 30 from TAE. 27 patients (35%) fell into category 2A, 8 (10%) into category 2B, 4 (5%) into category 2C, and 39 (50%) into category 3. Immediate technical success was achieved in 77 patients (98.7%). Complications included damage at the arterial puncture site (2 patients, 2.5%) and acute kidney injury (24 patients, 31%). Only 2 patients (2.5%) had been discharged with a new diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. The 30-day overall mortality rate was 19% (15 patients). The mortality rate was higher in hemodynamically unstable patients, in Popov categories 2B, 2C, and 3, and in patients with an initial eGFR < 30 mL/min × 1.73 m(2). The study demonstrated a higher mortality risk for categories 2B, 2C, and 3 compared to category 2A. Nonetheless, TAE has proven effective and safe in type 2A patients. Even though it is unclear whether type 2A patients could benefit from conservative treatment rather than TAE, in the authors’ opinion, a TAE endovascular approach should be promptly considered for all patients in ACT with active bleeding demonstrated on CT scans.