Hematoma of the rectus abdominis muscle: a complication of subcutaneous heparin therapy.

We have reported a case of hematoma of the rectus abdominis muscle resulting from prophylactic subcutaneous heparin therapy. The resultant right lower quadrant pain mimicked acute appendicitis. Because the use of prophylactic heparin is so prevalent in the hospital, it is important to be aware of this potential complication, which may be preventable by proper injection technique.