Spontaneous hemorrhage within the rectus muscle.

Abstract

To describe, in three patients, the rare condition of spontaneous hemorrhage within the rectus muscle. The records of three patients with a diagnosis of spontaneous hemorrhage within a rectus muscle were reviewed. Three adults had sudden unilateral painful proptosis with clinical and computed tomographic findings consistent with hemorrhage within a rectus muscle; in two patients, the presence of recent hemorrhage was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. In all three patients, the hemorrhage resolved spontaneously. Spontaneous hemorrhage within a rectus muscle may occur in otherwise healthy adults without any apparent underlying cause. In the absence of visual deterioration, no treatment is required, and complete clinical resolution may be anticipated.