Open AccessA case report on rectus sheath hematoma in an intubated COVID-19 patient
Author(s) -
Bhasyani Nagaretnam
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
turkish journal of emergency medicine/türkiye acil tıp dergisi
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1304-7361
pISSN - 2452-2473
DOI - 10.4103/2452-2473.342807
Subject(s) - medicine , emergency department , intensive care unit , critically ill , intensive care medicine , prone position , covid-19 , radiological weapon , hematoma , medical emergency , surgery , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , nursing
Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a life-threatening condition. Its pathology lies behind its unique anatomy. Critically ill COVID-19 patients are managed in the emergency department for longer periods while awaiting critical care admission. Therefore, more complex procedures such as prone positioning are performed in the emergency department to ensure patient care continues. We report this case of RSH in an intubated critically ill COVID-19 patient requiring prone position. During her stay in the Emergency Department Acute Care Unit, she developed anemia, uremia, and worsening hypoxia. Emergency contrast-enhanced computed tomography leads to our diagnosis of RSH. She was treated with a conservative approach and blood transfusion. We would like to highlight this case for its diagnostic complexity since this ventilated patient required both biochemical and radiological markers to diagnose RSH in combination with high suspicion levels. RSH must be considered in patients with risk factors such as prone position and anticoagulant usage. Last, a holistic approach to critically ill patients will not only benefit patients but also health-care profession. The direction of care should be decided based on the patient's condition, imaging, and hospital resources.