Citation

Weir LF, Pierce BT, Vazquez JO. Obstet. Gynecol. 2008; 111(2): 530-532.

Affiliation

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Antonio Uniformed Services Heath Education Consortium, San Antonio, Texas, USA. larissa.weir@sbcglobal.net

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/01.AOG.0000290332.11576.45

PMID

18239011

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of fetal death related to maternal trauma, with rupture of the gravid uterus being one potential grave outcome. CASE: We present a case of a woman at 22 weeks of gestation who presented to the emergency department after a "high-speed" motor vehicle collision. On initial presentation, she was hemodynamically stable, and the examination was significant for midabdominal transverse ecchymosis from seatbelt trauma. A computed tomography scan identified a probable uterine rupture. Laparotomy revealed a 1,500-mL hemoperitoneum and a completely ruptured uterus requiring hysterectomy. The fetus was completely transected at the level of the midabdomen. CONCLUSION: Uterine rupture is possible for gravid women involved in motor vehicle collisions.

Language: en