Rectus sheath hematoma due to cough in an elderly patient under antiplatelet therapy

Abdominal rectus sheath hematoma (ARSH) is a rare clinical condition that can be confused with other causes of acute abdomen.

We report an 83-year-old woman receiving antiplatelet medication who presented with ARSH following a cough episode.

The patient was hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. During hospital stay, sudden onset abdominal pain was developed following a severe cough episode. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed ARSH.

Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare and often misdiagnosed clinical condition. It is important to be considered for the diagnosis.

ARSH should be considered in case of development of acute abdominal pain following cough in receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.