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Case Reports
. 2007 Apr;89(3):309-12.
doi: 10.1308/003588407X179152.

Rectus sheath haematoma associated with low molecular weight heparin: a case series

Affiliations
Case Reports

Rectus sheath haematoma associated with low molecular weight heparin: a case series

J Donaldson et al. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2007 Apr.

Abstract

A report of three cases of spontaneous rectus sheath haematoma within a 1-month period in a single hospital. The common feature was the recent treatment with low molecular weight heparin. In contrast to the perceived benign nature of the classically-described haematoma, the cases described were life-threatening and required aggressive intervention.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Axial CT scan (post contrast) demonstrating large, leftsided rectus sheath haematoma (arrow).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Arteriogram performed via left brachial artery (femoral artery obscured by haematoma) showing successful embolisation of the superior epigastric artery (3 × 3 mm coil).

References

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    1. Gallego A, Aguayo J, Flores B, Soria T, Hernandez Q, Ortiz S, et al. Ultrasonography and computed tomography reduce unnecessary surgery in abdominal rectus sheath haematoma. Br J Surg. 1997;84:1295–7. - PubMed

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