Rectus sheath hematoma as a revisited and rare cause of abdominal pain?

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Rectus sheath hematoma is the accumulation of blood within rectus abdominis muscle. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment strategy, and outcomes of patients diagnosed with rectus sheath hematoma.

METHODS: Patients diagnosed and treated for spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma between January 2014 and December 2019 were included in the study.

RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were diagnosed as spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma, with a median age of 63.5 ± IQR (55.5-73.25). 8 patients were treated by transfusion and medical therapy, while two patients underwent surgery and drainage. One patient was treated with arterial embolization. No mortality was encountered.

CONCLUSION: Anticoagulant therapy was a major risk factor. Treatment is mostly based on supportive care to maintain hemodynamic stability.