Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Spontaneous Rectus Sheath Haematoma in Pregnancy: A Case Report

Abstract

Spontaneous rectus sheath haematoma (SRH) is a rare clinical entity. When present in pregnant patients, the diagnosis and management of SRH becomes more challenging as the health of the patient and her foetus is at stake. Challenges exist during the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Clinical signs and ultrasonography are often unable to diagnose this condition, and there are special considerations before computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can be employed in this situation. As with any pregnant patient, a decision for surgery, if required, should not be taken lightly. We present a case of a 40-year-old lady who developed SRH at 23 weeks gestation. We report the challenges during the diagnosis and treatment of this case and provide a brief literature review of this rare entity.