Silent uterine rupture in scarred uterus

Uterine rupture in pregnancy is a rare and catastrophic complication with a high incidence of fetal and maternal morbidity. Very few cases have been reported in the literature.

A 28-year-old fifth gravid woman with a history of one caesarean section presented to our department at 39 weeks and 6 days gestation with complaints of headache, epigastric pain and nausea. Her blood pressure was elevated and there was proteinuria. Emergency caesarean section was performed in view of symptoms. Uterine rupture was found during the surgery. A live male infant was delivered in good condition. Postnatal recovery was unremarkable and the woman discharged on postoperative day 5.

Rupture of the uterus can present in third trimester even before labour with minimal or no symptoms.