Hematoma

Hematoma is an abnormal collection of blood outside of the vascular space, e.g. blood vessels. The clinical significance is dependent on the size, location and co-morbidities. They are important to document in the context of forensic pathology. Hematomas are usually described by location and size.

Hematoma should not be confused with hemangiomas, a type of vascular tumour. They should not be confused with post-mortem extravascular blood collections.

Types of hematomas

Intracranial:

• Epidural hematoma.
• Subdural hematoma.
• Subarachnoid hematoma.
• Intracerebral hematoma.

Brain stem:

• Duret hematoma.

Scalp:

• Scalp hematoma.

Lung:

• Pulmonary hematoma.

Pediatric:

• Germinal matrix hemorrhage.

See also

• Blunt force trauma.
• Cardiovascular pathology
• Gross pathologic classification of injuries.