Journal List > Tuberc Respir Dis > v.69(6) > 1001574

Shin, Kim, Chi, Ban, Kwon, Oh, Kim, Lim, Kim, and Kim: A Case of Rectus Sheath Hematoma Complicated with Hypovolemic Shock in a Critically-Ill Patient

Abstract

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a rare condition caused by hemorrhage into the rectus sheath. It is usually associated with severe cough, abdominal surgery, coagulopathy, and anticoagulation treatment. RSH can be difficult to diagnose and can be misdiagnosed as acute appendicitis, as diverticulitis, or as an ovarian mass. Although RSH usually presents as a benign condition, it can be life threatening, especially in the critically-ill patient. Here, we report a case of fatal RSH due to hypovolemic shock in a critically-ill 73-year-old woman, who had received heparin treatment due to acute myocardial infarction in the intensive care unit and who had been successfully treated by conservative management.

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Abdominal CT shows a liquefaction of large amount of hematoma in right rectus abdominis muscle and adjacent right pelvic extraperitoneal space, without active bleeding (arrow).
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