[Spontaneous rupture of an uterine vein during pregnancy. A case report (author's transl)]

The rare case of a spontaneous rupture of the uterine vein is reported. The diagnosis and the etiology are discussed from a review of the literature and the report of a new case. The case is reported to alert to the possibility of rupture of an uterine vein when acute abdominal symptoms and signs are found during pregnancy and present diagnostic problems of an unclear nature. Early laparotomy is necessary to improve the treatment of the haemorrhagic shock and the maternal mortality. In most cases of antepartum of intrapartum rupture of the uterine vein a Caesarean section and suture ligation of the ruptured vein is adequate treatment. Without prior knowledge of this syndrome a Caesarean hysterectomy was performed in our case.