Management of patients with rectus sheath hematoma: Personal experience

Rectus sheath hematoma combined with COVID-19: A case report

BACKGROUND

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is uncommon, and because people have limited knowledge about it, it is difficult to recognize the symptoms in time, often de-laying optimal treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

Herein, we report a case of a 77-year-old female with RSH. The patient was treated at our hospital for coronavirus disease 2019. Anticoagulant treatment was administered during this period because of thrombosis. On the 8th d of treatment, the patient complained of abdominal pain. Ultrasonography revealed a solid cystic mass in the pelvic cavity. An emergency laparotomy was performed, and a huge hematoma was found in the deep layer of the rectus abdominis muscle. We used anticoagulants with caution based on the patient's condition.

CONCLUSION

Optimal management of patients with RSH s depends on timely diagnosis and when to reintroduce anticoagulants.

Surgical repair of rectus abdominis rupture with rectus sheath hematoma due to chronic cough and prolonged anticoagulant therapy in a COVID-19 patient: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Herein, we present an unexpected rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) complication due to chronic COVID-19 related cough and prolonged anticoagulation therapy. COVID-19 usually presents with respiratory symptoms, such as cough. Anticoagulants are used in severe cases of COVID-19 as well as in mechanical heart valve replacement to prevent thrombosis. However, there is a high risk of bleeding.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a rare case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with a COVID-19 related cough persistent over two months, and was also undertaking warfarin daily for 10 years due to mechanical mitral valve replacement. Computed Tomography (CT) scan revealed retroperitoneal and rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) as well as rectus abdominis muscle rupture. She had hemorrhagic shock due to rapid hematoma expansion to the right and left flank as well as to the back. Thus, she required an emergency surgery in which the hematoma was excised and the rectus abdominis muscle was sutured. The patient was discharged and has completely recovered.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Many factors and mechanisms contribute to the formation of the RSH and the rupture of rectus abdominis muscle, including severe cough and anticoagulants.

CONCLUSION

Although the use of anticoagulants is necessary for patients who underwent mechanical valve replacement or for COVID-19 patients as a prophylaxis of thrombotic complication, RSH should be kept in mind and carefully monitored as it may require surgical intervention in severe cases.

The prominent role of percutaneous transarterial embolization in the treatment of anterior abdominal wall hematomas: the results of three high volume tertiary referral centers

PURPOSE

Percutaneous transarterial embolization (PTE) represents a fast, safe and effective option for life-threatening anterior abdominal wall hematomas (AWHs) and those unresponsive to conservative treatment. Our study aims to assess cumulative results of safety, technical and clinical success of PTE performed in three high-volume tertiary referral centers and to evaluate the efficacy of the different embolic materials employed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A consecutive series of 124 patients (72.8 ± 14.4 years) with AWHs of different etiology submitted to PTE were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Clinical success, defined as absence of recurrent bleeding within 96 h from PTE, was considered as primary endpoint. The results of the comparison of three groups based on embolic agent employed were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Spontaneous AWHs accounted for 62.1%, iatrogenic for 21.8% and post-traumatic for 16.1% of cases. SARS-CoV-19 infection was present in 22.6% of patients. The most commonly embolized vessels were epigastric inferior artery (n = 127) and superior epigastric artery (n = 25). Technical and clinical success were 97.6 and 87.1%, respectively. Angiographic signs of active bleeding were detected in 85.5% of cases. Four (4%) major complications were reported. The comparison of the three groups of embolic agents (mechanical, particulate/fluid and combined) showed no statistically significant differences in terms of clinical success. SARS-CoV-2 infection was found to be an independent factor for recurrent bleeding and poor 30-day survival.

CONCLUSION

PTE performed with all the embolic agent employed in our centers is a safe and effective tool in the treatment of life-threatening anterior AWH of each origin.

Non-traumatic Rectus Sheath Hematoma During Direct Oral Anticoagulation

We report a case of anticoagulation therapy complicated by a non-traumatic rectus sheath hematoma (RSH). RSH is a relatively rare occurrence caused by bleeding into the rectus sheath following the rupture of the superior and inferior epigastric vessels combined with a primary tear of the rectus muscle fibers. Herein, we report a rare presentation of RSH in a 73-year-old man taking the direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) apixaban orally. The patient presented with sudden right abdominal pain after a severe cough, which worsened with cough and movement. The Fothergill and Carnett signs were positive. The platelet count, renal function test, and the prothrombin time/international normalized ratio were within the normal range. The activated partial thromboplastin time was 40.0 s, slightly longer than normal. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis showed RSH, and DOAC therapy was temporarily discontinued. Subsequently, RSH resolution was confirmed via CT four weeks after the onset. DOACs are safer and more efficacious than warfarin for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. However, RSH is a potential complication of anticoagulant therapy. This case report demonstrates that RSH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden-onset abdominal pain and mass in patients on DOACs.

Russell's viper envenomation induces rectus sheath haematoma

Snakebite envenomation causes systemic and local manifestations, which result from the individual or synergistic actions of multiple venom components. The pathological hallmarks of medically important venomous snakes such as the Indian Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) are well known. Envenomation by Russell's viper is typically characterised by coagulopathies, muscular damage, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. However, recent reports have revealed several unusual complications that provide a better understanding of Russell's viper envenomation effects. To further strengthen this, here, we report a case of Russell's viper bite that induced acute abdominal pain, which was intensified on day two and conservatively treated under medical supervision. Both Fothergill and Carnett signs were positive for this patient. An ultrasound imaging revealed a dissimilar dense mass, and the abdominal computed tomography scan confirmed rectus sheath haematoma. The clinical management involved the administration of polyvalent antivenom, packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets. The patient recovered gradually and was discharged from the hospital eight days after the bite. Overall, this case presentation shares an uncommon experience and adds new insights into the complex series of rare pathological events associated with Russell's viper bites in India. The scientific documentation of relatively infrequent entities based on an ongoing living assessment of medical experiences, for example, this rectus sheath haematoma, constitutes valuable guidance for an adequate diagnosis and timely treatment. Essential awareness among clinicians and further research on understanding the molecular relationship between Russell's viper venom and rectus sheath haematoma will improve patient outcomes and understanding of this condition, respectively.

Efficacy of Percutaneous Transarterial Embolization in Patients with Spontaneous Abdominal Wall Hematoma and Comparison between Blind and Targeted Embolization Approaches

Background: Endovascular treatment of abdominal wall hematomas (AWHs) has been increasingly used when conservative treatments were not sufficiently effective, and it is often preferred to surgical interventions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and technical and clinical success of percutaneous transarterial treatment of AWH and to evaluate the efficacy of blind embolization compared to targeted embolization. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 43 patients (23 men and 20 females) with spontaneous AWH who underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and embolization, focusing on the presence of signs of bleeding at pre-procedural CT-Angiography (CTA) and at DSA. Furthermore, we divided patients into two groups depending on blind or targeted embolization approaches. Results: The mean age of the study population was 71 ± 12 years. CTA revealed signs of active bleeding in 31 patients (72%). DSA showed signs of active bleeding in 34 patients (79%). In nine patients (21%), blind embolization was performed. The overall technical success rate was 100%. Clinical success was achieved in 33 patients (77%), while 10 patients (23%) rebled within 96 h, and all of them were re-treated. No major peri-procedural complication was reported. The comparison between blind and targeted embolization showed no statistically significant differences for characteristics of groups and for clinical success rates (78% and 77%, respectively, −p = 0.71). The technical success was 100% in both groups. Conclusions: Our study confirms that transarterial embolization is a safe and effective option for the treatment of spontaneous AWHs, and it suggests that the efficacy and safety of blind embolization is comparable to non-blind.

Glue Embolization in the Management of Rectus Sheath Hematomas

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the results achieved in the management of rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) using glue embolization.

METHOD

Data about all consecutive patients presenting with RSH, between January 2005 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. RSHs were classified according to the Berna CT scan Classification. Clinical and technical outcomes were evaluated during in-hospital period and 1-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 74 patients presenting with RSH, CTA revealed an active bleeding in 61 (n = 42, 69% women; median age = 68.8 y range: 47-91). 19 cases of type 1 RSH (25.7%), under anticoagulation therapy and hemodynamically stable, were successfully managed conservatively. Conversely, endovascular embolization with cyanoacrylate glue diluted with ethiodized oil (Lipiodol Ultrafluid, Guerbet, France) was needed in n = 42 (56.8%) patients, in 16 cases after failure of conservative management; a single session of percutaneous glue embolization was adequate to achieve technical and clinical success in all patients with stabilization or progressive improvement of hemoglobin values after procedure (7.1 + 1.8 g/dL pre-procedure vs 11.1 + 1.6 g/dL post-procedure). No major complications occurred. Two minor complications were reported: 1 case (2.4%) of puncture site-related complication (local self-limiting hematoma) and 1 case (2.4%) of post-embolization syndrome (abdominal pain) spontaneously regressive. The median hospital stay was 7 d. At 30-day follow-up, 2 patients (2.7%) died of multiorgan failure.

CONCLUSIONS

In the management of RSH, glue embolization was shown to be safe and efficacious. Glue allowed the immediate occlusion of both the "front and back doors" of bleeding without the need to reach the bleeding point, preventing potentially life-threatening recurrence.

Rectus sheath hematoma: conservative, endovascular or surgical treatment? A single-center artificial neural network analysis

PURPOSE

Rectum sheath hematoma (RSH) is a rare and often misdiagnosed disease. We aimed to determine outcomes of patients affected by RSH and identify variables associated with the need of prompt intervention.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with RSH during the period 2012-2020 were retrospectively identified. Demographics, diagnostic, and therapeutic variables were evaluated. RSH was classified with computed tomography (CT) according to the Berna system. An artificial neural network (ANN) model including 12 variables was used to identify patients that might require a prompt endovascular or surgical treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients were included for analysis; mean age was 69 (35-98) years and 14 (70%) were females. Iatrogenic injury and forceful contraction of the abdominal wall were the leading causes of RSH. Eleven (55%) patients were anticoagulated or antiaggregated. There were 3 (15%) grade 1, 5 (25%) grade 2, and 12 (60%) grade 3 RSH; 6 (30%) were treated conservatively, 10 (50%) with artery embolization, and 4 (20%) with surgery. Overall morbidity was 45% and there was no mortality in the series. According to the ANN, patients at high risk of requiring an invasive treatment were those with active extravasation on CT angiography, Berna grade III, age ≥ 65 years, hemodynamic instability, chronic use of corticosteroids, hematoma volume ≥ 1000 mL, and/or transfusion of ≥ 4 units of red blood cells.

CONCLUSION

Conservative treatment might be effective in selected patients with RSH. Our artificial neural network analysis might help selecting patients who require endovascular or surgical treatment.

A case report on rectus sheath hematoma in an intubated COVID-19 patient

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a life-threatening condition. Its pathology lies behind its unique anatomy. Critically ill COVID-19 patients are managed in the emergency department for longer periods while awaiting critical care admission. Therefore, more complex procedures such as prone positioning are performed in the emergency department to ensure patient care continues. We report this case of RSH in an intubated critically ill COVID-19 patient requiring prone position. During her stay in the Emergency Department Acute Care Unit, she developed anemia, uremia, and worsening hypoxia. Emergency contrast-enhanced computed tomography leads to our diagnosis of RSH. She was treated with a conservative approach and blood transfusion. We would like to highlight this case for its diagnostic complexity since this ventilated patient required both biochemical and radiological markers to diagnose RSH in combination with high suspicion levels. RSH must be considered in patients with risk factors such as prone position and anticoagulant usage. Last, a holistic approach to critically ill patients will not only benefit patients but also health-care profession. The direction of care should be decided based on the patient's condition, imaging, and hospital resources.

A Proposed Algorithm on the Modern Management of Rectus Sheath Hematoma: A Literature Review

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a common entity with no clearly established protocol for management. Existing literature on RSH is outdated and does not incorporate modern technological advances in medicine and imaging. A total of 21 studies were included in this literature review based on PubMed and Google Scholar searches. Modern literature was selected from the last 10 years with the inclusion of three past pieces of literature. We performed a literature review to identify the latest research on RSH management and to consolidate an algorithm to help guide modern RSH treatment. Current RSH classification, scoring system, algorithm, and other predictors for treatment plan are discussed. The best RSH management requires early recognition of RSH followed by the appropriate implementation of conservative management and procedural intervention. The decision on picking the treatment of choice is assisted with the use of predictors, such as hematoma size, rate of hemoglobin drop, and the number of blood transfusions. Further studies are needed to clearly establish predictors among the different types of procedural intervention, and we hope the consolidated algorithm on current literature can help promote the standardization of protocol in the future.

Transarterial embolization with n-butyl cyanoacrylate for the treatment of abdominal wall hemorrhage

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) in the context of the transarterial embolization (TAE) of abdominal wall hemorrhage in an urgent scenario.

METHODS

A retrospective study of cases admitted from January 2008 to December 2017 in the emergency unit of our institution revealed 11 patients with abdominal wall hemorrhage who underwent digital subtraction angiography and TAE with n-BCA. We analyzed the sex, age, hemorrhagic risk factors, etiology, embolized vessel, technical success (no rebleeding in the embolized area), clinical success (hemoglobin level control and hemodynamic stability after the procedure), complications inherent to the procedure, and clinical outcome (mortality in 30 days).

RESULTS

The mean age was 63.4 years (52-83 years), with a predominance of the female sex (64%). The majority (91%) of patients presented hemorrhagic risk factors (chronic hepatopathy and anticoagulation drug usage). Spontaneous hemorrhage was present in 18% of patients, and the other 82% had an iatrogenic etiology. Technical success was achieved in 100% of the patients, which required the embolization of inferior epigastric artery in 10 patients (91%), circumflex iliac artery in 2 (18%), and superior epigastric artery in 1 (9%). Five patients were hemodynamically unstable, and despite achieving technical success, 4 (36%) died in less than 30 days due to decompensation of their clinical comorbidities caused by the acute phase. There were no complications inherent to the procedures.

CONCLUSION

The present study concludes that TAE with n-BCA is a safe and effective treatment for abdominal wall hemorrhage in an urgent scenario, with high rates of technical and clinical success.

Rectus sheath hematoma in pregnancy: a case report

This clinical study reports a case of rectus sheath hematoma in a 32-year-old woman with a pregnancy at 33 weeks of gestation, who developed acute right-sided abdominal pain following anticoagulant administration for pulmonary embolism. The rectus sheath hematoma was identified during an emergency cesarean section initiated due to severe fetal bradycardia. The present case would have been easy to manage prenatally if the presence of rectus sheath hematoma had been added as a differential diagnosis. For future cases, timely recognition and therapy could help prevent premature cesarean delivery.

Comparison of the Different Treatment Strategies for Patients with Rectus Sheath Haematoma

Background and objective: Rectus sheath haematoma (RSH) is an uncommon condition that may vary from contained haematoma to life-threatening bleeding. Timely diagnosis and treatment is crucial in this patient population. The aim of the current study was to investigate the results of the different RSH treatment strategies among patients admitted to a surgery department. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 29 patients treated for RSH in surgery departments of two medical centres from 1 January 2007 to 30 September 2017 was conducted. The patient's age, sex, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists; physical status classification system), use of anticoagulants, cause of haematoma, radiological data, vital signs, blood investigations, and type of treatment were extracted. The results were analysed according to the type of treatment. Results: The patients' mean age was 67.6 ± 14.3 years, and the mean duration of in-hospital stay was 10.7 ± 6.7 days. All patients were on anticoagulant treatment, and 82.8% of them had spontaneous haematoma. Nine patients (31%) needed transfusion of packed red blood cells with an average of 2.6 units (range: 1⁻4). Five patients (17.2%) presented with symptoms and signs of hypovolemic shock, and four of them underwent embolisation. Embolisation was successful in all cases. Open surgery was performed in 6 patients, 8 patients underwent percutaneous drainage, and 10 patients were treated conservatively. Two patients (6.7%) died in our series. Both of these patients had type III RSH. Patients in the conservatively treated group had the shortest hospital stay. There were no readmissions due to repeated haematoma or infection. Conclusions: Embolisation of epigastric arteries is a useful tool to stop bleeding into RSH in patients with unstable haemodynamics. Conservative treatment is comparable to ultrasound (US) drainage of RSH but results in a shorter hospital stay. Type III RSH is associated with a higher death rate.

Spontaneous haematoma of the anterior rectus abdominis muscle

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous haematoma of the rectus abdominis muscle is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain. It occurs mostly in anticoagulated patients. The objective of this paper is to analyse the onset, diagnosis and treatment in patients under anticoagulant therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all patients with a diagnosis of spontaneous hematoma of the abdominal rectus muscle between March 2003 and December 2014.

RESULTS

The study included 34 patients, of whom 28 were women, with an average age of 80 years old. All the patients showed a unilateral infraumbilical haematoma. Twenty- 8 patients had received long-term anticoagulant treatment (26 with acenocumarol and 2 low molecular weight heparin); and 6 patients were under anticoagulant prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin. The diagnosis was performed with ultrasound in 7 cases, computed tomography angiography in 27 patients, and with both methods in 6 cases. The treatment consisted of stopping the anticoagulant drug, correcting haemostasis parameters and blood transfusion when required. Ten patients displayed active bleeding in the computed tomography angiography, and 8 underwent selective arterial embolization. The evolution was successful in 34 patients, however, 2 patients required surgery and, finally, died due to persistent haemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous haematoma of the rectus abdominis muscle is more frequent in elderly women under oral anticoagulant treatment. Non-operative treatment is successful in most cases. Computed tomography angiography is useful to determine which patients could benefit from selective arterial embolization.

An Uncommon Presentation of Spontaneous Rectus Sheath Hematoma with Acute Kidney Injury due to Obstructive Uropathy and Prerenal Azotemia

Rectus Sheath Hematoma (RSH) represents an unusual entity which is characterized by acute abdominal pain and tender palpable abdominal mass usually, among elderly patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. We report the case of an 81-year-old woman admitted to our department due to acute abdominal pain and oligoanuria. The patient had recently been hospitalized due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) and received both anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies. The radiological assessments revealed an extended Rectus Sheath Hematoma and bilateral hydronephrosis. Treatment of the hematoma required cessation of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, immobilization, blood and fresh frozen plasma transfusion, and administration of vasopressors. The patient recovered gradually and was discharged home fifteen (15) days later.

Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma in the elderly: an unusual case and update on proper management

Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma (SRSH) is an uncommon medical emergency in the elderly. We present a case of SRSH with an atypical clinical presentation and discuss literature regarding diagnosis and proper management. A 75-year-old female patient was transferred to the emergency department due to acute dyspnoea and confusion. Her medical history revealed a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, and no coughing or use of anticoagulants. The clinical examination showed tenderness of the left lower abdomen, although palpation was misleading due to patient's obesity. Laboratory investigations showed light anaemia. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a large rectus sheath hematoma of the left abdominal wall. Despite further deterioration of the patient, conservative management including bed rest, fluid replacement, blood products transfusion, and proper analgesia was successful. No surgical intervention was needed. Prompt diagnosis and management of SRSH plays significant role in the prognosis, especially in elder patients. Independently of size and severity, conservative management remains the first therapeutic choice. Only by failure of supportive management, progressive and large hematoma or uncontrollable hemodynamic patients, interventional management including surgery or less invasive newer techniques is indicated.