Rectus sheath haematoma: enoxaparin-related complication

Acta Clin Belg. 2013 Mar-Apr;68(2):147-9. doi: 10.2143/ACB.68.2.3213.

Abstract

Rectus sheath haematoma, an uncommon complication related to subcutaneous administration of enoxaparin, has overall mortality of 4%. Possible mechanisms include unintended intramuscular injection of enoxaparin, and enhanced anticoagulant effect in the elderly and patients with increased bleeding risk. We describe the case of an 80 year-old female patient who was treated after a non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction, with enoxaparin, aspirin and clopidogrel. After a single dose of enoxaparin, the patient developed massive rectus sheath haematoma that was promptly diagnosed and was surgically managed. The patient recovered uneventfully. With incremented use of low-molecular weight heparins in the elderly, one may expect a growing number of bleeding complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Enoxaparin / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hematoma / chemically induced*
  • Hematoma / diagnosis
  • Hematoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / drug therapy
  • Rectum

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Enoxaparin