Rare complication after common obstetric procedure: rectus sheath hematoma after amniocentesis treated with embolization case report

Abstract

Rectus sheath hematomas are becoming more commonly diagnosed but are typically associated with high-risk patients, such as older adult patients, patients on anticoagulation, or patients with recent trauma. This case describes a woman who underwent genetic amniocentesis at 20 1/7 weeks of gestation with a resultant rectus sheath hematoma that began expanding after an exacerbation of the patient’s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease approximately 2 weeks after the patient’s amniocentesis procedure. Ultimately, embolization and coiling of the right inferior epigastric artery were required due to the expanding hematoma and worsening pain. Antibiotics were administered due to concern for a late complication of amniocentesis and a prolonged recovery with a large hematoma.