Cervical vasovagal shock: A rare complication of incomplete abortion case report

Cervical vasovagal shock is termed as stimulation either by instruments or products of conception at cervical os results into bradycardia and hypotension. In primary care settings cervical vasovagal shock can occur during insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) or any cervical stimulation during physical examination. This case we highlight an uncommon complication of incomplete abortion which is the rare cause of cervical vasovagal shock.

A 42-year-old Gravida 3 Para 2 Living 2 with Gestational age of 12 weeks presented with vaginal spotting for 2 days. Initial examination she was conscious with normal vital signs. However, after initiation of medical management of incomplete abortion, she had increased per vaginal bleeding with hypotension and bradycardia. Speculum examination was done; this revealed products of conceptus in cervical os and a diagnosis of cervical vasovagal shock was made. Patient was then counselled for evacuation and informed consent was sought. She was taken for evacuation; suction and gentle curettage was done. Post evacuation patients' vitals returned to normal ranges, and patient taken to the ward to continue with post procedure management.

Bleeding in the first trimester is a common presentation in up to 30 % in early pregnancies and more than 50 % of those will go on to have a normal pregnancy. Most patients with incomplete abortion present at emergence department with shock, this will commonly be due to sepsis, hypovolemia, or haemorrhage. In this case report with discuss a rare cause of shock in women with incomplete abortion.

Cervical vasovagal effect of the products of conception passing through the cervix causes a reflex bradycardia. It is crucial as physician attending women with incomplete abortion to make sure all the product of conception are passed out and in situation if there is remaining products of conception in the cervix should be removed using a sponge-holding forceps to prevent vasovagal stimulation in the cervix.