Spontaneous idiopathic omental haemorrhage: a rare cause of right iliac fossa pain

BACKGROUND: Isolated omental haemorrhage is a rare entity of which only case reports exist. This is usually in the setting of trauma, neoplasms or anticoagulation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of spontaneous idiopathic omental haemorrhage with no evidence of trauma, neoplasm or presence of anticoagulation. This was identified on the imaging studies performed for the purpose of diagnosis of the cause of the patient’s right iliac fossa pain. The patient required urgent laparotomy and omentectomy to achieve haemostasis. DISCUSSION: Spontaneous omental haemorrhage is a rare entity that is usually preceeded by trauma or occurs in the context of adhesions, neoplasms or anticoagulation. If there are delays in diagnosis, it could lead to significant morbidity for the patient. Therefore, it requires prompt recognition and definitive management. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous omental haemorrhage is a rare entity characterised only in case reports. It is usually a secondary event and requires prompt management.