Intramural haematoma of the alimentary tract in children.

Thirteen children with intramural haematoma of the alimentary tract were treated in Chulalongkorn University Hospital during an 8-year period (1978-1986). A history of trauma was obtained in 11 cases, 1 case presented as a result of a coagulation defect secondary to a haematotoxic snake bite and no causative factor was apparent in 1 patient. Profound vomiting with abdominal pain is the typical presentation. Upper gastrointestinal contrast study is usually characteristic and diagnostic. Conservative treatment was successful in 12 of the cases with no morbidity and mortality.