Atilla CAN, Halil ŞEN, Hüseyin YILDIRAN, Sadettin ÇİFTCİ
Journal of Emergency Medicine Case Reports - 2026;17(2):99-102
Morel-Lavallée lesions are rare closed degloving injuries caused by traumatic shear forces separating the subcutaneous tissue from the underlying fascia. They most frequently occur in the pelvis and thigh, whereas thoracolumbar involvement is exceedingly uncommon and often underrecognized in trauma settings. We present a 22-year-old man admitted after a motor-vehicle accident with pulmonary contusion and pneumothorax who was managed conservatively. On the second hospital day, his hemoglobin abruptly declined to 5 g/dL despite stable thoracic imaging. Cross-sectional imaging revealed a hematoma measuring approximately 25 cm in craniocaudal extent, extending from the thoracolumbar region into the gluteal and lateral-thigh compartments, consistent with a Morel-Lavallée lesion. Conservative treatment with compression and transfusion support resulted in complete recovery. Thoracolumbar Morel-Lavallée lesions, though rare, can lead to substantial concealed blood loss and should be considered in trauma patients with unexplained anemia. Prompt imaging-computed tomography for initial screening and magnetic resonance imaging for confirmation-facilitates timely diagnosis. As shown in this case and supported by the literature, selected patients may achieve full recovery with vigilant conservative management, underscoring the importance of early recognition and individualized treatment.
