Acute abdomen: an atypical presentation of acquired hemophilia

Abstract

Acquired hemophilia is a rare but potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by the development of acquired hemophilia A, leading to bleeding complications. Spontaneous, mild-to-life-threatening bleeding in typically elderly individuals without a personal or family history of bleeding is the hallmark of acquired hemophilia A (AHA), a rare autoimmune bleeding illness caused by the formation of auto-antibodies against endogenous factor VIII (FVIII). This hallmark represents our present case, with no obvious history related to the bleeding issue. Prompt detection and treatment of bleeding are essential for the best outcomes.

We present a case of a 66-year-old male who had acute-onset severe abdominal pain and with constipation for five days, associated with nausea and loss of appetite. On physical examination, the patient appeared pale, and abdominal examination revealed diffuse tenderness with guarding. Initial evaluation revealed tachycardia and hypotension. Initial abdomen X-rays revealed features suggestive of small bowel obstruction. The patient was stabilized with intravenous fluids, referred to a surgical team, and admitted to the acute bed in the general ward for further management.

Keywords: Acquired Hemophilia; Auto-Antibodies; Factor VIII; Intraabdominal Bleeding

Citation: Hehsan MR. Acute abdomen: an atypical presentation of acquired hemophilia. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(5):974−976; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i5.2556

Received: March 19, 2024; Reviewed & Accepted: September 08, 2024