An unanticipated diagnosis with bedside ultrasonography in patients with acute abdominal pain: rectus hematoma

Abstract

Although abdominal pain is a common presentation in emergency departments, rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is among the rarest diagnosis. Here we present 2 cases of RSH likely caused by coughing due to upper respiratory tract infection. The two described cases were diagnosed by bedside ultrasonography and confirmed as RSH by computed tomography. Review of patient history and use of ultrasonography are important to avoid misdiagnosisof RSH.

Keywords

• abdominal pain
• ultrasonography
• hematoma