Sonographic Diagnosis of Traumatic and Later Recurrent Uterine Rupture

Val A. Catanzarite; Karen E. Mehalek; Tom Wachtel; Craig Westbrook

doi:10.1055/s-2007-994320

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 1996; 13(3): 177-180
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994320

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Sonographic Diagnosis of Traumatic and Later Recurrent Uterine Rupture

Val A. Catanzarite, Karen E. Mehalek, Tom Wachtel, Craig Westbrook

Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Mary Birch Hospital for Women at Sharp Memorial Hospital and Trauma Surgery, Sharp Perinatal Center, San Diego, California

Abstract

ABSTRACT

We report a case of traumatic transverse fundal uterine rupture with fetal death, followed by recurrent rupture during the subsequent (twin) pregnancy. Rupture was sonographically diagnosed within minutes of arrival at hospital following a motor vehicle accident in the first pregnancy and defined operative intervention, which was life-saving for the mother. Rupture was again diagnosed sonographically in the second pregnancy based on extrusion of the bag of waters through the uterine incision without fetal distress. Emergency cesarean section was performed with good outcomes for both babies. Causes and clinical/sonographic diagnosis of uterine rupture are reviewed and obstetric management discussed. A high level of suspicion, early diagnosis, and expeditious management are keys to favorable outcome.

Keywords

Uterine rupture - sonography - pregnancy - trauma

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