BACKGROUND: Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is a potentially fatal disease that consists of hemangioma(s) with thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and coagulopathy. Extensive hemangiomatosis is rare. We present the radiological features and treatment strategy of a young adult suffering from Kasabach-Merritt syndrome with widespread hemangiomas and an infected huge hematoma in the right thigh.

CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old Taiwanese male presented with a painful 20-cm mass over his right thigh and gross hematuria for 2 days. Hemangiomatosis was bioptically proven in infancy and the patient was under regular follow-up. Physical examination revealed normal heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Multiple palpable lumps with brown and purple areas of skin over the neck, trunk, and right thigh were noted. Laboratory examinations revealed thrombocytopenia anemia and elevated fibrin degradation products. There were no signs of sepsis. Blood transfusion and steroid therapy were executed. Computed tomography showed a huge complicated subcutaneous hematoma in the right thigh. Drainage of the huge hematoma was performed and antibiotics were prescribed. After the local infection in the right thigh and the bleeding tendency were controlled, the patient was discharged in a stable condition two weeks later.

CONCLUSIONS: A huge infected hematoma and widespread hemangiomas are extremely rare complications of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. There are no known treatment guidelines currently available. Our patient was successfully treated with steroids, drainage, and antibiotics.

Keywords: Hematoma, Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, Thrombocytopenia