Rectus sheath hematoma

Vasc Med. 2008 Nov;13(4):275-9. doi: 10.1177/1358863X08094767.

Abstract

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a known complication of anticoagulation therapy and a source of potential morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may help to prevent complications including hemodynamic instability, the abdominal compartment syndrome or multiorgan dysfunction. Although the diagnosis can be made clinically, it can be confirmed with computed tomography of the abdomen. Most patients can be managed conservatively; however, it is often necessary to suspend anticoagulation in the acute setting. Rectus sheath hematoma is not a contraindication to resuming anticoagulation once the hematoma has been adequately managed and the patient has returned to a stable clinical baseline.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage*
  • Antifibrinolytic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Blood Coagulation / drug effects
  • Erythrocyte Transfusion
  • Hematoma / blood
  • Hematoma / chemically induced*
  • Hematoma / complications
  • Hematoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hematoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • International Normalized Ratio
  • Male
  • Rectus Abdominis / diagnostic imaging
  • Rectus Abdominis / drug effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vitamin K / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Antifibrinolytic Agents
  • Vitamin K