ABSTRACT

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is one of the reasons for acute abdominal pain in patients using low-molecular-weight heparin. The diagnosis can be confused with other diseases or even can be missed if not brought to notice. RSH may be fatal in the case of misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Therefore, these cases are specific for emergency medicine practices. Recent studies and case series about RSH were mostly published by general surgery clinics. Emergency department is the first place where patients with RSH visit. However, limited case reports from the emergency departments have been published. This study highlights the importance of diagnosis and proper management of rectus hematomas in emergency clinics in the light of the three presented cases.

Keywords: Anticoagulant therapy, emergency medicine, low-molecular-weight heparin, rectus sheath hematoma