A late retroperitoneal hematoma mimicking acute appendicitis--an unusual complication of coronary angioplasty.

Peripheral vascular complications following coronary angiography and angioplasty are well established. They consist of arterial bleeding, occlusion, false aneurysm, and a-v fistula. Bleeding and thrombosis are usually evident within the twelve hours after the procedure. A case of acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain five days following thrombolytic therapy and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is presented. A computerized tomography was compatible with a periappendiceal inflammation, and the patient underwent laparotomy. A large retroperitoneal hematoma was the only positive finding on operation. A late complication of coronary angioplasty, such as retroperitoneal hematoma, presenting as an acute abdomen, should be a part of the differential diagnosis in such cases.