Giant rectus sheath hematoma after therapeutic paracentesis resulting in hemodynamic instability in the intensive care unit

Hosp Pract (1995). 2010 Jun;38(3):52-5. doi: 10.3810/hp.2010.06.315.

Abstract

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a rare but potentially serious complication that can occur after abdominal paracentesis. Although RSH is often self-limited, it can lead to life-threatening conditions when diagnosis and/or treatment are delayed. In the neuro-intensive care unit, the diagnosis is often difficult to make or delayed because most patients have poor mental status and are unable to communicate their RSH-related symptoms. We report a case of a giant RSH detected by abnormal hemodynamic conditions on intensive care unit monitoring after abdominal paracentesis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Hematoma / etiology*
  • Hemodynamics / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Male
  • Paracentesis / adverse effects*
  • Rectus Abdominis / physiopathology*