Spontaneous rupture of the uterine vessels in pregnancy

Obstet Gynecol. 2004 May;103(5 Pt 2):1089-91. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000121833.79081.c7.

Abstract

Background: Hemoperitoneum resulting from spontaneous rupture of the uterine vessels in pregnancy is rare and associated with high maternal and fetal mortality.

Case: A woman presented with acute abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock at 20 weeks of gestation. Immediate laparotomy revealed massive hemoperitoneum resulting from spontaneous rupture of the left uterine vessels associated with a left adnexal mass consisting of decidualized endometriosis. The fetus was delivered by hysterotomy, hemostasis was achieved, and the woman made a good recovery.

Conclusion: We report a case of hemoperitoneum in pregnancy that resulted from spontaneous rupture of the uterine vessels associated with decidualized endometriosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adnexal Diseases / complications
  • Adult
  • Blood Vessels / pathology*
  • Endometriosis / complications
  • Female
  • Hemoperitoneum / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / etiology*
  • Rupture, Spontaneous
  • Uterus / blood supply*