Rectus sheath hematoma and retroperitoneal bleeding due to rivaroxaban: a case report

Conservative Treatment for Spontaneous Rectus Sheath Hematoma: A Case Report

Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare but clinically important cause of acute abdominal pain. In most cases, patients have a history of trauma or are taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma is even rarer, with atheromatous changes identified as a contributing factor in the elderly. A 100-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure presented to our emergency department with sudden-onset abdominal pain and a large lower abdominal mass. She was not on anticoagulant treatment and denied any traumatic event or excessive strain on abdominal musculature such as a cough. A CT scan showed a hematoma involving the left anterior abdominal wall at the rectus sheath, extending into the lower abdomen. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma. We started conservative treatment with hemostatic agents, namely, carbazochrome and tranexamic acid to control the expansion of bleeding. Her hemoglobin level and vital signs remained stable, and her symptoms improved significantly. A follow-up CT scan four days after admission revealed a reduction in the size of the hematoma. The patient's treatment course was uncomplicated, and she was eventually discharged on the sixth day of her admission. Rectus sheath hematoma is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate in patients, especially those with additional comorbidities. Early diagnosis and sufficient supportive treatment are crucial for management. We suggest that carbazochrome and tranexamic acid are also effective therapies.

Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma associated with apixaban in an elderly gentleman with chronic obstructive airway disease - a case report

Background

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a relatively uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain and can be mistaken as other surgical causes of acute abdomen. A diagnosis requires high index of suspicion especially in susceptible patients, for example, in patients on anticoagulation. While anticoagulation is the commonest risk factor for RSH, direct-acting oral anticoagulants have only been very recently implicated as a potential cause with fewer than ten cases reported in the literature.

Case presentation.

An 82-year-old Chinese man with chronic obstructive airway disease, ischemic heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation on apixaban presenting with acute onset of lower abdominal pain. Physical examination showed peritoneal signs with tenderness and guarding over the lower quadrants with hypotension. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen confirmed a large rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) without active extravasation. He was given fluid resuscitation and was managed successfully with supportive treatment and cessation of apixaban. A follow-up CT two months later showed resolving hematoma and aspirin was resumed primarily for ischemic heart disease. The patient tolerated anti-platelet therapy without recurrence of RSH. The risk factors, treatment options, prognosis and issue related to anticoagulation resumption after an episode of RSH are discussed. Reported cases of RSH associated with direct-acting oral anticoagulants are reviewed.

Conclusions

Direct-acting oral anticoagulant-associated rectus sheath hematoma is rare. With increasing use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants in multiple clinical settings, clinicians should remain vigilant of this potentially life-threatening bleeding complication when a patient presents with acute abdominal pain. Conservative treatment with cessation of anti-coagulant and supportive transfusion remains the mainstay of treatment.

Formation of a Rectus Sheath Hematoma Secondary to COPD Exacerbation While Taking Dual Antiplatelet Therapy

Rectus sheath hematomas can occur due to nontraumatic increases in abdominal pressure from respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This case study describes a 59-year-old male who was on dual antiplatelet therapy after a right coronary percutaneous intervention for acute coronary syndrome. He developed abdominal pain and ecchymosis on dual antiplatelets and was found to have a rectus sheath hematoma. The hematoma resolved with conservative care and did not require surgical intervention. The etiology of rectus sheath hematoma is thought to be due to coughing spells from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation while taking dual antiplatelet therapy. Cases of rectus sheath hematomas continue to emerge in the literature with similar patient histories, and we should be cognizant of this possible complication in patients with chronic coughing.

Rectus Sheath Hematoma Causing Bladder Outlet Obstruction

A 93-year-old woman on Coumadin with history of atrial fibrillation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presented with urinary retention for one day. Computed tomography (CT) of abdomen and pelvis demonstrated grade 3 rectus sheath hematoma (RSH), with the hematoma dissecting between the transversalis fascia and muscle into the prevesical space. The large-sized hematoma caused compression at the bladder outflow tract causing urinary retention. In view of age and the patient being a poor surgical candidate, the patient was managed by percutaneous drain of the hematoma to reduce size to relieve urinary symptoms. The hematoma shrunk in size over the period of next few weeks and thereby avoided surgical intervention.