Haemoperitoneum due to placenta percreta in the third trimester mimicking placental abruption

Placenta accreta spectrum on an unscarred uterus in the third-trimester pregnancy: two rare cases at Tu Du Hospital in Vietnam

Introduction and importance

Placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PASD) refer to an uncommon obstetrical conditions leading to significant life-threatening obstetrical issue for mothers and foetus during pregnancy. Rarely, this pathology can occur in the uterus without a history of uterine surgery, localize at unusual site of the uterus, and result in the spontaneous uterine rupture. We herein reported two unusual cases managed successfully in the third trimester of pregnancy at our tertiary referral hospital.

Case presentation

Two pregnant women were hospitalized at our maternity hospital for a dilemma diagnosis of PASD without history of previous caesarean scar. Following the suspected images of PASD on ultrasound combined with a hematoma anterior to the body of the uterus, especially a sudden onset of abdominal pain and intraperitoneal fluid without a clear etiology, we made the suspected diagnosis of uterine rupture associated with PASD. Moreover, a gradual reduction of hemoglobin concentration also supported this diagnosis. Both cases underwent immediately caesarean hysterectomy for saving the life of the mother and baby following suspicion.

Clinical discussion

PASD associated with an unscarred uterus is an uncommon placentation during pregnancy. Although an extremely rare cases, PASD may be present without association with placenta praevia. Timely management by caesarean hysterectomy can avoid adverse maternal-foetal outcomes.

Conclusion

PASD can be appeared on the uterus without a previous uterine scar, thus leading to unexpected complications during pregnancy. Closely strict monitoring helps avoiding the materno-foetal mortality. Further data is needed to summarize this rarely uncommon entity.

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Physicians should be aware of PASD although unscarred uterus and without placenta previa.

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A sudden onset of abdominal pain and intraperitoneal fluid, diagnosis of uterine rupture can be made.

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Following image of PASD on ultrasound combined with a hematoma anterior to the body of uterus is potential.

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Gradually decreased Hemoglobin concentration may support for this diagnosis.

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Timely surgery by caesarean hysterectomy can save the life of mothers and infants.

Uterine Rupture Following Non-Operative Vaginal Delivery: A Close Save of Delayed Presentation With Hemoperitoneum to a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital

Hemoperitoneum as a result of uterine rupture in a previously unscarred uterus is a rare entity to encounter and a potentially life-threatening condition. Ruptures can occur in a scarred uterus either spontaneously, due to operative manipulations, or with the use of uterotonic medications. In an unscarred uterus, spontaneous ruptures are known with high parity, use of oxytocin, and prolonged, neglected labor. Ruptures can be silent with no symptoms resulting in a delay in diagnosis and a near-miss situation. Here, we report the case of a 25-year-old young female who was referred to our tertiary care hospital in rural central India six hours after full-term vaginal delivery, which was followed by pain in the lower abdomen. She had no history of cesarean section, laparoscopic procedures, or surgical termination of pregnancy, which would have predisposed her uterus to rupture. She was severely pale on arrival, and a contrast-enhanced computerized tomography scan revealed rupture of the left side of the uterus with hemoperitoneum and a large pelvic hematoma. Because the patient was in hemorrhagic shock, she was immediately taken for laparotomy with simultaneous resuscitative measures and blood transfusion on flow. Extensive uterine rupture, extending through the cervix to the round ligament of the left side involving the left lateral uterine wall, with active bleeding from the site of the defect was confirmed. The hematoma was 10 × 10 cm in size and was evacuated, following which peripartum hysterectomy was done. The left ureter was traced and safeguarded while applying the clamp on Mackenrodt’s ligament. The patient recovered completely following the procedure. She was discharged on day 13 in stable condition. She is currently doing well on follow-up and is a good example of a maternal near miss. In this report, we emphasize that, even in the absence of any obvious risk factor, uterine rupture can occur during labor, and monitoring the vitals of patients in the immediate postpartum period is essential to detect and promptly manage this serious condition for preventing maternal mortality.

Uterine body placenta accreta spectrum: A detailed literature review

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a major obstetrical problem whose incidence is rising. Current guidelines recommend screening of all women with placenta previa and risk factors for PAS between 20 and 24 weeks. Risk factors, diagnosis, and management of previa PAS are well established, but an apparently normal location of the placenta does not exclude PAS. Literature data are scarce on uterine body PAS, which carries a high risk of maternal and neonatal adverse outcome, but is still easily missed on prenatal ultrasound. We conducted a comprehensive review to identify possible risk factors, clinical presentations, and diagnostic modalities of uterine PAS. A total of 133 cases were found during a 70-year period (1949-2019). The vast majority of them presented with signs of uterine rupture, even prior to the viability threshold of 24 weeks (up to 45%). Major risk factors included previous cesarean delivery, uterine curettage, uterine surgery, Asherman's syndrome, manual removal of the placenta, endometritis, high parity, young maternal age, in vitro fertilization, radiotherapy, uterine artery embolization, and uterine leiomyoma. Diagnosis was pre-symptomatic in only 3% of cases. Future studies should differentiate between previa PAS and uterine body PAS.

Placenta percreta causing spontaneous uterine rupture and intrauterine fetal death in an unscared uterus: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Placenta percreta is a rare; a life-threatening disorder of placentation and one of the components of the placenta accreta spectrum. It can lead to uterine rupture, an obstetric catastrophe that can be associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present an unusual case of spontaneous uterine rupture due to placenta percreta in an unscarred uterus of a multiparous woman leading to spontaneous intrauterine fetal death. She presented with hypovolaemic shock following spontaneous rupture of the uterus and subsequent intra-peritoneal bleeding.

DISCUSSION

Uterine rupture occurs commonly in a scarred uterus from some form of trauma or injudicious use of oxytocics. However, uterine rupture occurring in the absence of prior scar or use of oxytocics is a rarity. Placenta percreta is an unusual cause of uterine rupture and subsequent intra-uterine fetal death. Placenta percreta occurs when the uterine wall is invaded by the placenta up to the level of the serosa. A high index of suspicion and thorough review of the patient is required for making this diagnosis. Misdiagnosis is associated with dare consequences of increased maternal morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Placenta percreta is a rare disorder of placentation that can cause uterine rupture which can easily be misdiagnosed. Prompt diagnosis and institution of the appropriate care can help prevent catastrophic outcomes as demonstrated in the case reported.

Placental Abruption Revealed by Hemoperitoneum: A Case Report

Background Hemoperitoneum is a life-threatening surgical emergency. Diagnosis of the cause is often difficult, in particular, during pregnancy when it may be either obstetric or nonobstetric. Case We report the case of a hemoperitoneum caused by the backflow of blood through a uterine tube, due to placental abruption. Conclusion Hemoperitoneum in pregnant women with no other signs can reveal placental abruption. The difficulty in identifying the cause may delay appropriate management.

Hemoperitoneum in a patient with spontaneous rupture of the posterior wall of an unscarred uterus in the second trimester of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Hemoperitoneum resulting from a rupture of an unscarred uterus is a rare condition. Uterine rupture in patients without evident risk factors is associated with non-specific signs and symptoms that can delay the diagnosis. This is a report of spontaneous rupture of posterior wall of the uterus in the second trimester of pregnancy presented as intra-abdominal bleeding.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here, we report the case of a 31-year-old Caucasian multiparous female (gravida 3, para 1) who had a sudden onset of abdominal pain at 28 weeks of gestation. The patient had no history of caesarean section. Exploratory laparotomy was performed due to deterioration of the patient's clinical condition, and ultrasound results were suspicious for hemoperitoneum. Uterine rupture in the posterior wall with active bleeding from the defect was confirmed. A caesarean section was performed, and a live female infant weighing 1000 g, with an Apgar score of three, was delivered. A hysterectomy was performed during the caesarean section.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic difficulties arise from the rarity of the disease, a nonspecific clinical picture and the absence of the main risk factors. Uterine rupture should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hemoperitoneum in patients with an unscarred uterus.