Bloodpool

Bloodpool is a term used in medical and radiological contexts to describe the presence or visualization of a pool of blood outside normal intravascular space, or the blood-containing phase seen during certain imaging procedures. The meaning can vary with context, ranging from physical accumulations of blood in tissues to imaging phases that reflect circulating blood.

In clinical practice, pooling of blood outside vessels typically manifests as a hematoma. Hematomas are localized collections that result from injury to blood vessels, surgery, or spontaneous bleeding in people with clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulants. They can occur in subcutaneous tissue, muscles, or deeper compartments, and their size and location determine symptoms such as pain, swelling, and functional impairment. Large hematomas may require drainage or surgical intervention, especially if they threaten blood supply or cause compartment syndrome.

Imaging plays a central role in assessing blood pooling. Ultrasound can detect anechoic or complex fluid collections, CT often reveals hyperdense or mixed-density hematomas, and MRI characterizes the age and extent of hemorrhage. In nuclear medicine, a blood pool image or blood-pool phase refers to early imaging after radiolabeled red blood cells are injected; it visualizes the distribution of circulating blood and can aid in evaluating cardiac function, vascular leaks, or traumatic injury patterns.

Management is tailored to the size, location, symptoms, and patient factors, with conservative approaches for small, stable hematomas and surgical intervention for large or symptomatic cases or when complications are suspected. Correcting coagulopathy and monitoring for infection or rebleeding are important considerations.

See also: hematoma, hemorrhage, contusion, extravasation, nuclear medicine imaging.