Rupture of the uterus with DIC

Rupture of the uterus is an uncommon obstetric emergency that usually occurs after 36 weeks gestation in a woman with a previous cesarean section. Complete rupture of the uterus with extrusion of the fetus into the peritoneal cavity is associated with high fetal mortality and with hypovolemic shock in the mother. Incomplete ruptures are less catastrophic and are often found incidentally at routine elective cesarean section. Management of uterine rupture consists of prompt recognition, rapid replacement of maternal blood volume, and early laparotomy and hysterectomy or, in selected cases, uterine repair. Disseminated intravascular coagulation has been reported in association with such obstetrical emergencies as abruptio placentae, intrauterine fetal demise, septic abortion, and amniotic fluid embolism. We report a case in which there was clinical and laboratory evidence of DIC in a patient with uterine rupture. The patient was successfully managed with prompt hysterectomy and replacement of coagulation factors.