Rectus sheath hemorrhage due to oral anticoagulant therapy

Abstract

Rectus sheath hemorrhage (RSH) is an uncommon condition characterized by abdominal pain. It is an accumulation of blood in the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle, secondary to rupture of an epigastric vessel or muscle tear. It is usually located infraumblically and often misdiagnosed as acute abdomen. This case report describes a patient with RSH and retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to anticoagulant therapy, who was admitted to our Emergency Department with complaints of abdominal pain, emesis, nausea, and abdominal wall ecchymosis. Computerized tomography must be chosen for diagnosis. Main therapy is conservative management. © 2009 OMU All rights reserved.