Rectus Sheath Hematoma in a Recovering Dengue Patient: A Case Report

A 63-year-old male patient recovering from dengue came to our department for contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) for the evaluation of abdominal pain. An ultrasound performed in the periphery diagnosed him with a rectus abscess. The CECT evaluation done in our department clarified that the collection in his rectus sheath was hemorrhagic and not infective, as previously thought. The patient was managed conservatively and recovered without complications. Like most infectious diseases, dengue is a disease of tropical countries. System-wise data collection processes are inadequate in many developing countries, which means complications and adverse effects of common diseases are not adequately captured. Furthermore, resource limitations restrict the availability of more expensive diagnostic tests to central locations. Peripherally located regions with lower purchasing capacity have greater access to relatively inexpensive tests. This causes deficits in the management of some common disease entities, like dengue. Considering these issues, it is important to optimize healthcare testing for low-resource settings. This can only be achieved with adequate sensitization of healthcare providers in diagnosis and management.