Spontaneous Rectus Sheath Hematoma

Abstract

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is one of the surgical emergencies that mimics peritonitis or other causes of acute abdominal pain. It is usually seen in old age, post-trauma, anticoagulation therapy pregnancy, chronic cough, and liver disease. Nevertheless, RSHs can be spontaneous without any underlying predisposing factors. Here, we present a 51-year-old female with sudden onset abdominal pain, abdominal distention, hypotension, and severe pallor. After initial resuscitation, the patient underwent radiological imaging. This suggested an RSH with active bleeding from the inferior epigastric artery or profunda femoris artery. The patient underwent digital subtraction angiography and angioembolization of the profunda femoris branch. After a few days, the patient continued deteriorating and succumbed to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).