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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
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|February 2, 2008
Summary
Motor vehicle collisions can cause uterine rupture in pregnant women. This case highlights a severe outcome where a high-speed collision led to uterine rupture and fetal transection at 22 weeks gestation.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Trauma Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are a significant cause of maternal trauma.
- Rupture of the gravid uterus is a rare but potentially fatal complication of MVCs.
Observation:
- A 22-week pregnant woman sustained severe abdominal trauma from a high-speed MVC.
- Initial presentation showed hemodynamic stability with seatbelt-induced ecchymosis.
- CT scan indicated probable uterine rupture, confirmed by laparotomy.
Findings:
- Laparotomy revealed a 1,500-mL hemoperitoneum and complete uterine rupture.
- The fetus was transected at the mid-abdominal level.
- Hysterectomy was required due to the severity of the uterine injury.
Implications:
- This case underscores the risk of uterine rupture in pregnant individuals involved in MVCs.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are critical in managing severe obstetric trauma.
- Seatbelt use in pregnancy requires careful consideration to minimize injury risk in collisions.
