RECTUS SHEATH HEMATOMA - DIAGNOSTIC CLASSIFICATION BY CT

A method of classification for hematomas of the rectus abdominis sheat h (RSH) is proposed based on findings observed in CT in the 13 cases o f RSH in the present study. Type I hematomas (five cases) are slight a nd do not require hospitalization. Type II (three cases) and type III (five cases) are moderate and severe hematomas, respectively, and do r equire hospitalization. The patients with type III hematomas were all undergoing anticoagulant therapy and presented with a picture of acute abdomen, and in all five cases blood transfusion was carried out. Ult rasonography and, in particular, CT permitted a correct diagnosis of R SH. RSH should be considered (anticoagulant therapy induced) in female s with sudden abdominal pain to avoid unnecessary surgical interventio n.