Rectus sheath hematoma secondary to acute exacerbation of COPD: A case report

Abstract

Rectus sheath hematoma, a rare condition, develops due to rupture of epigastric arteries or the rectus abdominis muscle. This case report conveys that such condition can occur due to violent coughing spells, and this should not be missed when a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presents with abdominal pain.

Rectus sheath hematoma

“…Excessive coughing, such as that which can occur in patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a common risk factor for RSH. [6][7][8] In the 8-year retrospective study conducted by İ liklerden and Kalaycı, 29% of patients who developed RSH also had excessive coughing. 5 Extrinsic muscle injury, on the other hand, follows direct, blunt trauma or abdominal surgery (Table 2).…”

“…Intrinsic spontaneous injury of the muscles of the rectus sheath can occur from physiologic reflexes, such as excessive straining from sneezing or vomiting, that lead to severe contraction of the abdominal muscles and/or hematologic conditions, such as anticoagulation therapy or coagulation disorders. Excessive coughing, such as that which can occur in patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a common risk factor for RSH 6-8. In the 8-year retrospective study conducted by İliklerden and Kalaycı, 29% of patients who developed RSH also had excessive coughing 5.…”