Haab’s striae are seen in –
**Core Concept**
Haab's striae refer to the linear tears or lacerations that occur in the skin due to severe vomiting, often associated with conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum or gastrointestinal obstruction. These striae result from the repeated contraction and relaxation of abdominal muscles, leading to skin stretching and eventual tearing.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Haab's striae are a direct consequence of the increased intra-abdominal pressure caused by intense vomiting. The repeated contraction of abdominal muscles, particularly the rectus abdominis, leads to skin stretching and eventually, linear tears. This phenomenon is often observed in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum or those experiencing severe gastrointestinal obstruction.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because Haab's striae are not typically associated with conditions like peptic ulcer disease or gastritis, which are not directly related to severe vomiting.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because while abdominal trauma can cause lacerations, Haab's striae are specifically characterized by linear tears resulting from severe vomiting, not blunt trauma.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because while pregnancy-related conditions can cause skin changes, Haab's striae are specifically associated with severe vomiting, not the general skin changes seen in pregnancy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Haab's striae are a classic sign of severe vomiting and should prompt the clinician to investigate for underlying causes, such as gastrointestinal obstruction or hyperemesis gravidarum.
**Correct Answer: D. Striae resulting from severe vomiting, often seen in hyperemesis gravidarum or gastrointestinal obstruction.**