[Recurrent uterine rupture with development of a lithopedion]

A 41-year old African patient from Zimbabwe was seen in 1982 as a Gravida 12 at the onset of regular contractions with a complete rupture of the uterus. Laparotomy showed a recent mature stillborn foetus and in addition a foetus petrosus. This lithopaedion was extruded into the abdominal cavity from a silent and untreated rupture of the uterus. The lithopaedion was tolerated by the mother without symptoms for four years. The cause of the two subsequent ruptures of the uterus in 1978 and 1981 was probably a Caesarean section in 1966.