Rectus sheath hematoma

Rectus sheath hematoma
Classification and external resources
ICD-9 729.92
eMedicine emerg/943

A rectus sheath hematoma is an accumulation of blood in the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. It causes abdominal pain with or without a mass.

The hematoma may be caused by either rupture of one of the epigastric arteries or by a muscular tear. Causes of this include anticoagulation, coughing, pregnancy, abdominal surgery and trauma. With the advent of an ageing population and the widespread use of anticoagulant medications, there is evidence that this traditionally benign condition is becoming more common and more serious [1].

On abdominal examination, these patients may have a positive Carnett's sign.

Most hematomas resolve without treatment, but they may take several months to resolve.

References

  1. ^ Fitzgerald JEF, Fitzgerald LA, Anderson F, Acheson AG. The Changing Nature of Rectus Sheath Haematoma: Case Series and literature review. International Journal of Surgery 2009; 7:150-154. PMID 19261556.

(the listed ICD does not map to this disorder)