[Spontaneous hematoma of the abdominal wall: diagnostic error of abruptio placentae].

An emergency cesarean section was performed in the 38th week of pregnancy in a patient with acute abdominal pain in the left upper quadrant. The ultrasound picture was interpreted as a retroplacentar hematoma. Cardiotocography demonstrated fetal tachycardia which was interpreted as asphyxia. A diagnosis of abruptio placentae was made, but was finally ruled out when the cesarean section was performed. The intraabdominal exploration revealed a large hematoma of the rectus sheath with about 800 ml of blood. After evacuation and drainage the postoperative recovery was uneventful. Sudden rupture of a deep epigastric vessel with formation of an abdominal wall hematoma also mimics intraabdominal conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, cholecystitis, tumours and visceral injuries.