Spontaneous hematoma of the rectus abdominis sheath: a review of 177 cases with report of 7 personal cases.

Hematoma of the rectus abdominis muscle sheath is a little known and rarely diagnosed condition, in spite of its definite clinical setting and treatment. It is very important to the surgeon, as it may be mistaken frequently for acute inflammatory abdominal conditions and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intra-abdominal tumors. The literature on 177 cases of non-traumatic hematomas of the rectus abdominis muscle sheath is reviewed, including seven personal cases reported by the authors. Its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic examinations and treatment are discussed.