Spontaneous Uterine Rupture and Hemoperitoneum in the First Trimester

Khaled I. Dibbs; Robert H. Ball; Phyllis C. Huettner

doi:10.1055/s-2007-994516

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 1995; 12(6): 439-441
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994516

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Spontaneous Uterine Rupture and Hemoperitoneum in the First Trimester

Khaled I. Dibbs, Robert H. Ball, Phyllis C. Huettner

Divisions of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound-Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Lauren V. Ackerman Laboratory of Surgical Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Uterine rupture, a potentially catastrophic complication during pregnancy, has been reported to occur spontaneously in the second and third trimesters. We describe a case of spontaneous uterine rupture at 8 weeks' gestation in a 29-year-old woman, who has a history of systemic lupus erythematosus. The diagnosis was established with the aid of ultrasound imaging. She underwent local excision of the perforated area of the uterus. Histologic examination revealed exuberant intermediate trophoblast. On follow-up, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) titers returned to normal over a 15-week period. We conclude that spontaneous uterine rupture can occur in the first trimester, and early utilization of ultrasound could help in the management of this serious condition.

Keywords

Spontaneous uterine rupture - pregnancy complications - ultrasonography - hemoperitoneum

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