Sonographic evidence of rectus sheath hematoma mistaken for uterine rupture: a case report
ePoster
Authors: Alyssa Stiff, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV EMILY SHAFFER, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine Kara Arnold, UNLV
Ultrasound (US) is a useful and efficient tool to help identify abdominal pathology specifically in Obstetrics. Due to increasing rates of higher order cesarean deliveries, uterine rupture rates are increasing. While rare, rectus sheath hematomas (RSH) are possible, dangerous, and difficult to diagnose in pregnancy given limited imaging modalities readily available, particularly in emergent situations with possible fetal compromise. This case describes a patient who was incorrectly preoperatively diagnosed with a uterine rupture based on bedside US findings, when she in fact had a large rectus sheath hematoma. This resulted in a delay diagnosis, hemorrhage, massive transfusion, and preterm delivery. This case should be used as an example to explore other possible causes for abnormal point of care US findings in labor and delivery.