Case of Nontraumatic Rectus Sheath Hematoma from Muscle Training Mimicking Acute Abdomen

Abstract EN

Rectus sheath hematoma is an unusual but well-known clinical problem.

Our hospital admitted a 54-year-old woman complaining of harsh right-sided hypogastric pain that started while muscle training.

Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a right rectus sheath hematoma.

As the hematoma did not increase, the patient was conservatively treated.

Despite increased awareness of rectus sheath hematoma, its early diagnosis and treatment still present a challenge to emergency physicians.

Swift acknowledgement of this rare cause of abdominal pain may avoid more intrusive examination, unnecessary hospitalization, and laparotomy.

Careful consideration of the patient’s medical history and a high index of suspicion are needed to diagnose this complication.