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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Instrumentation of Near-term Fetal Sheep for Multivariate Chronic Non-anesthetized Recordings
Published on: October 25, 2015
Complete fetal transection after a motor vehicle collision
Larissa F Weir1, Brian T Pierce, Jose O Vazquez
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Antonio Uniformed Services Heath Education Consortium, San Antonio, Texas, USA. larissa.weir@sbcglobal.net
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.
