International Journal of Research in Health Sciences. Jan–Mar 2014 Volume-2, Issue-1 372

www.ijrhs.com Case Report ISSN (o):2321–7251

Rectus sheath haematoma masquerading as ovarian tumour

Kavitha B, Geetha L, Rama Devi A, Madhuri K, Rama Devi Y, Prabhakar GC

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Mamata Medical College & General Khammam.

Submission Date: 20-01-2014, Acceptance Date: 28-01-2014, Publication Date: 31-01-2014

How to cite this article: Vancouver/ICMJE Style BK, LG , ARD, KM, YRD, GCP. Rectus sheath haematoma masquerading as ovarian tumour. Int J Res Health Sci [Internet]. 2014 Jan31;2(1): 410-3. Available from http://www.ijrhs.com/issues.php?val=Volume2&iss=Issue1 Harvard style B,K., L,G., A,R.D., K,M.,Y,R.D.,G,C.P. Rectus sheath haematoma masquerading as ovarian tumour. Int J Res Health Sci. [Online] 2(1). p. 410-3 Available from: http://www.ijrhs.com/issues.php?val=Volume2&iss=Issue1

Corresponding Author: Dr. B. Kavitha, Professor in Gynecology and Obstetrics, Mamata Medical College & General Khammam - 507 001. Andhra Pradesh,

India. Email: [email protected]

Abstract: Abdominal wall pathology is a frequently overlooked cause of acute abdomen and palpable mass. Increasing use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies has led to an increase in the incidence of spontaneous rectus sheath (RSH). A high index of suspicion is needed for diagnosis as it can closely mimic other causes of acute abdomen and result in significant mortality. Herein, we report a case of RSH presenting with abdominal mass which was confused to a malignant ovarian tumour causing unnecessary concern to the patient & her attendees. We wish to highlight the need to increase awareness among primary and emergency physicians about considering RSH in the initial differential diagnoses of abdominal pain.

Key words: Abdominal mass; Hematoma; Laparotomy; Ovarian tumour; Rectus sheath

Introduction ranging from acute abdominal pain [1], Shock, Rectus sheath hematoma is an uncommon bladder symptoms to asymptomatic palpable mass in (1.8%), often clinically misdiagnosed cause of acute lower abdomen. So high degree of suspicion is abdomen and abdominal mass. It is an ancient required to diagnose this condition. It is a benign disorder accurately described by Hippocrates and self- limiting condition with a mortality rate of 4% in mentioned by Galen. It is formed due to collection of Type III. blood between rectus sheath and peritoneum. Case report: Hematoma can occur in patients with certain risk factors as mentioned below or sometimes it can form 65year old post menopausal, hypertensive spontaneously. There are a variety of clinical features woman with past history of cerebro-vascular

International Journal of Research in Health Sciences. Jan–Mar 2014 Volume-2, Issue-1 410 Kavitha et al- Rectus sheath haematoma www.ijrhs.com

accident, went to private hospital for viral fever with thrombocytopenia 1 week back. She had accidental fall 5 days back with head and black eye and altered sensorium. CT brain showed normal study. She was diagnosed to have metabolic encephalopathy and severe anemia due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This was managed conservatively with intravenous fluids and 3 units of fresh blood transfusion. After a week she presented to us at Mamata General Hospital, Khammam, with mass per abdomen and retention of urine. The examination was carried with the prior consent from the patient, and preliminary examination revealed that patient was stable and had moderate anemia. Per abdomen: A mass of 24 weeks size was palpated in the lower abdomen, which was firm and tender with ill defined borders and lower border was not felt and mobility restricted. Per speculum examination: Vagina was narrow & cervix Figure 2: CT scan showing mass lesion was flushed with the vault. Bimanual examination, She was posted for Staging laparotomy. Sub- fullness was felt in the right, anterior and left umbilical mid-line incision was given. A large rectus fornices. Uterus was not felt separately. Per rectal sheath haematoma of 15x10 cm was noted in the examination: rectal mucosa was free. Provisional lower abdomen between posterior surface of the diagnosis of malignant ovarian tumour was made. rectus muscle and transversalis fascia extending to Routine investigations were normal except the space of retzius as seen in figure-3. Haematoma for anemia. USG with Doppler showed, mixed was bilobed and more towards right side. Evacuation echogenic mass 14x10 cm with cystic and solid areas of haematoma was done. There were no active seen in the pelvis with no vascularity as shown in points. Peritoneum was opened and uterus figure-1. Uterus was atrophic and ovaries not and ovaries were found atrophic. Abdominal wall visualized separately. Contrast CT abdomen and was closed in layers with closed suction drain at pelvis showed 15x12x10 cm, heterogenous cystic haematoma site. mass in the lower abdomen with mild enhancement of septae and moderate displacement of the bladder to right with peripheral rim enhancement as in figure-2. Impression: cystic ovarian tumour with malignant features.CA 125 levels were mildly elevated (51.1 KAU/L)

Figure 3: showing rectus sheath hematoma at laparotomy Post operatively, 1 unit blood was transfused. Patient was stable throughout. Drain was th Figure 1: USG showing mass lesion removed on 9 post operative day. Suture removal

International Journal of Research in Health Sciences. Jan–Mar 2014 Volume-2, Issue-1 411 Kavitha et al- Rectus sheath haematoma www.ijrhs.com

was done and patient was discharged, next day. It is classified according to its CT scan During follow up visits, no recurrence was found. appearance (Berna et al 1996l) . Type I: intramuscular, unilateral, increase Discussion muscle size, ovoid/fusiform hyperdense foci with Rectus sheath haematoma is more common mild to moderate pain. Doesnot require in females and its presentation is more likely to be hospitalization as it resolves within 1 month. atypical in elderly patients with complaints of . Type II: intramuscular, with blood between the dyspnoea, confusion or urinary retention. Risk muscle and transversalis fascia. Perivesical space factors include elderly age, female sex, African race, free, usually bilateral, presents with moderate to use of anticoagulation, anti-platelet agents, chronic severe pain, may require hospitalization for cough, pregnancy, previous abdominal surgeries, observation. Resolves in 2-4 months medical problems like hypertension, arteriosclerosis, . Type III: intra or extramuscular with blood collagen vascular disorders, leukemias, blood between muscle and transversalis fascia extending dyscrasias, hemophilia, [2], into prevesical space. Risk factor: Anticoagulation Vigorous uncoordinated rectus muscle contraction, most frequently seen. Requires hospitalization, blood Endometriosis of rectus sheath, recent abdominal transfusion and surgical intervention. Needs more surgery with trauma to Superior & inferior epigastric than 3 months to resolve, no recurrence and long arteries. Haematoma can also form spontaneously term sequelae. without any risk factors [3]. Above patient was 65 year old, female, with hypertension, old CVA, Above case belonged to this type, but by the time she thrombocytopenia and trauma. came to us she was stabilized and presented with abdomino-pelvic mass and retention of urine, that If present above arcuate line it presents as was diagnosed as malignant ovarian tumour. unilateral, spindle-shaped mass as shown in figure-4. If below arcuate line it is large, bilobed and spherical Mortality is 4%. Extra care should be devoted to an as in figure-5. Peritoneal irritation leads to abdominal elderly patient, who needs aggressive resuscitation, rigidity and gastro-intestinal symptoms. Dissection anticoagulation reversal and admission. of haematoma inferiorly into the space of retzius can Symptoms-: masquerade as pelvic tumour causing irritation of Typical cases may present with variety of bladder, as in above case. symptoms like, Acute abdominal pain, Fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, Shock, bladder symptoms like retention of urine due to peritoneal irritation and Palpable mass. Atypical cases have insidious onset and form Differential diagnosis for tumours. Signs are Low grade fever, Signs of shock like hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnoea, palpable, firm, painful non pulsatile mass (bilobed) in lower abdomen, that doesn’t move with respiration, rebound tenderness and guarding & presence of various signs like-Fothergill sign, Carnett sign [4], Figure 4: showing haematoma above arcuate line Cullen sign [5], Grey Turner sign. Per vaginum examination may show mass anterior to vagina and above pubic symphysis. Differential Diagnosis includes abdominal wall tumor (desmoid, neurofibroma, sarcoma), causes of acute abdomen [6] like torsion ovarian cyst, ruptured aneuryms, intestinal obstruction [6], ectopic pregnancy, abruptio placenta and red degeneration of fibroid in pregnancy. Laboratory investigations show decreased haematocrit, increased WBC count. Coagulation profile is a must in oral anticoagulant therapy. USG is used for size, location, diagnosis and Figure 5 : showing haematoma below arcuate line to monitor evolution of haematoma. Early cases, it is sonolucent and in late cases it appears heterogenous.

International Journal of Research in Health Sciences. Jan–Mar 2014 Volume-2, Issue-1 412 Kavitha et al– two non-communicating lymphangiomas www.ijrhs.com

CT scan and MRI are more sensitive. Scintigraphy 4. Maharaj D, Ramdass M, Teelucksingh S, Perry A, [7] may be used to show the site of bleed with Tc 99 Naraynsingh V: Rectus sheath haematoma: a new set labeled RBC. There were no features of acute of diagnostic features. Postgrad Med J. 2002, 78:755- abdomen at presentation in above case. USG, CT 766. scans, and raised CA 125 levels pointed towards 5. De Donato G, Neri E, Baldi I, Setacci C. Rupture malignant ovarian tumour. of internal iliac artery aneurysm presenting as rectus Type I/II and stable cases can be managed sheath hematoma: case report. J Vasc Surg. 2004, conservatively with rest, analgesics, ice packs and 39:250–253. treatment of predisposing factors. Fluid resuscitation, 6. Klingler PJ, Wetscher G, Glaser K, Tschmelitsch blood transfusion, reversal of anticoagulation and J, Schmid T, Hinder RA. The use of ultrasound to invasive procedures are needed for acute bleeding differentiate rectus sheath hematoma from other with enlarging hematoma or unstable patient with acute abdominal disorders. Surg Endosc. 1999, peritoneal signs. Therapeutic angiography with 13:1129–1131 embolisation of vessel or Operative therapy with clot 7. Fukuda T, Sakamoto I, Kohzaki S, Uetani M, evacuation, ligation of bleeding vessel and closed Mori M, Fujimoto T, Hayashi K,Matsuo S. suction drainage may be considered. Spontaneous rectus sheath : clinical and In above case, only at laparotomy, hematoma radiological features. Abdom Imaging. 1996, of 15x10 cms was discovered in the transversalis 21(1):58-61. fascia extending into the space of retzius causing urinary retention and misdiagnosed clinically as pelvic tumour. As it was posterior rectus sheath hematoma, even abdominal signs were absent.

Conclusion Rectus sheath hematoma is a well documented entity, but has remained elusive. It can mimic acute abdomen in typical cases and abdomino- pelvic tumour in atypical cases. So high degree of suspicion especially in elderly women with risk factors is essential. Early USG and CT scan is necessary to reduce the morbidity and mortality. Prompt history taking, with careful physical examination and appropriate imaging studies help in correct diagnosis.

Source of Funding: Nil Source of Conflict: Nil References 1. Selin Kapan, Ahmet N Turhan, Halil Alis, Mustafa U Kalayci, Sinan Hatipoglu, Hakan Yigitbas and Ersan Aygun. Rectus sheath hematoma: three case reports. Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2008, 2:22 2. Sally JH, Steven HY, Joseph JM, Marshfield clinic, Marshfield, WI; AmFam physician. 2001, 64(10):1681-1682 3. Venkat MA, Showri MK, Manu K, Joann P. Spontaneous Rectus sheath haematoma, West J Emerg med. 2010, 11(1):76-79

International Journal of Research in Health Sciences. Jan–Mar 2014 Volume-2, Issue-1 413