Rectus sheath haematoma. Report of two cases

Abstract

Rectus sheath haematoma is a well-documented clinical entity. The accumulation of blood within the rectus sheath produces a painful swelling that can mimic an intraperitoneal mass, with features of an acute abdomen. Accurate diagnosis is essential, in order to avoid an unnecessary laparotomy. Two cases of this entity are reported. The correct diagnosis was established by appropriate assessment of the clinical, laboratory and imaging findings.