A case of rectus sheath hematoma in the setting of paroxysmal coughing and platelet dysfunction

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain that may mimic other intra-abdominal pathologies. It is caused by the rupture of the superior or inferior epigastric artery or vein in the rectus abdominis muscle. Clinical features include sudden-onset abdominal pain and a pa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of family medicine and primary care Vol. 12; no. 12; pp. 3422 - 3424
Main Authors Harris, Erika, Fleshman, Taylor, Franks, Adam
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01.12.2023
Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
Subjects
Blood
Case Report
cough
Hematoma
Medical examination
platelet dysfunction
rectus sheath hematoma
Risk factors
rectus sheath hematoma
platelet dysfunction
Cough
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Summary:Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain that may mimic other intra-abdominal pathologies. It is caused by the rupture of the superior or inferior epigastric artery or vein in the rectus abdominis muscle. Clinical features include sudden-onset abdominal pain and a palpable mass, and common risk factors include anti-coagulants, platelet dysfunction, and cough. Workup includes a physical exam, complete blood count, coagulation profile, ultrasound, and computed tomography. While most cases are treated conservatively, uncontrolled hemorrhage may be lethal and requires prompt recognition. We discuss a case of RSH which developed in the setting of paroxysmal coughing and platelet dysfunction. The purpose is to highlight the diagnosis and treatment of RSH and emphasize the importance of its inclusion in the differential for acute abdominal pain.
ISSN:2249-4863
2278-7135
DOI:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_851_23