[A case of spontaneous hematoma of the rectus abdominis muscle]

The authors describe a recently observed case of spontaneous hematoma of the abdominal rectus muscle. They go on from there to a thorough examination of this rare condition in the light of the latest contributions on the subject in the literature. After describing the anatomo-pathological, aetiopathogenetic and clinical aspects of the condition, the authors deal at some length with the diagnostic possibilities afforded by ultrasound in particular and with the indications for conservative therapeutic treatment, surgery being resorted to only in complicated cases or in cases where diagnostic doubts persist.