Rectus gyrus hematoma: An overview

BACKGROUND: Rectus gyrus hematoma (RGH) is a localized intracerebral hemorrhage involving the most medial part of the orbital surface of the frontal lobe. It can be an imaging finding in the setting of a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm; however, other differentials are rarely reported in the literature. In this paper, we opt to present for the 1(st) time an overview of RGH regarding its history, anatomical correlation, and related neuroimaging with particular emphasis on the potential differential diagnosis for underlying pathologies. METHODS: A literature review was conducted in PubMed, Medline, and Google scholar databases to review the existing literature highlighting the history, pertinent anatomy, and clinical characteristics of RGH. RESULTS: The literature review yielded papers targeting the RGH neither as a radiological sign nor as a surgical correlate to the cerebrovascular lesion. We used the available indirectly related articles to formulate an overview to serve the aim of this paper and to highlight the potential value of studying the RGH. CONCLUSION: The RGH may represent an overlooked radiological finding that has potential significance through its relation to a set of vascular lesions affecting the brain. Further studies into the topic are needed to expand the utility of this sign.