Reily syndrome (rectus sheath hematoma)

Abstract

Background. Reily syndrome or Rectus sheath hematomas (RSHs) are caused by ruptures of the inferior or superior epigastric arteries, which typically occur because of trauma or other spontaneous factors. Objective of the study. This study assesses the significance and informativeness of epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, and modern therapeutic and surgical strategies for RSH. Material and methods. PubMed, PubMed Central, Medline, Google Scholar databases for assessing the management of RSHs, keywords used: „Reily syndrome,” „rectus sheath hematoma,” „familial dysautonomia,” and „rectus sheath abdominis.” Results. A total of 55 full articles were studied and analyzed. Articles containing information about the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of RSHs, clinical and paraclinical findings, diagnostic methods, and the curative management of patients with Reily syndrome were selected. The etiology of RSH is multifactorial. The main symptoms are diminished lacrimation, insensitivity to pain, poor temperature control, abolished deep tendon reflexes, postural hypotension, vomiting attacks, poor motor coordination, and mental retardation. The diagnosis of RSH is established by clinical findings, imaging studies, genetic testing (mutations in the IKBKAP gene on chromosome 9), and autonomic function tests. Conclusion. This thesis offers a thorough summary that helps to further the knowledge of this complicated illness and aims to assist medical professionals in making the best decisions possible for patients presenting with Reily syndrome.