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Vaginal bleeding secondary to an aborting uterine leiomyoma
M D Greenberg1, T Robinson, R Birrer
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Mary Immaculate Hospital, Queens, NY 11432.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|January 1, 1993
Summary
A young woman presented with vaginal bleeding due to an "aborting" uterine leiomyoma. This case emphasizes the importance of pelvic exams for vaginal bleeding and highlights an unusual presentation of uterine fibroids.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Gynecology
Background:
- Uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, are common benign tumors of the uterus.
- While typically asymptomatic, fibroids can cause symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding.
- An "aborting" leiomyoma refers to a submucosal fibroid that is being expelled from the uterus.
Observation:
- A young woman presented to the emergency department with vaginal bleeding.
- Her presentation was attributed to an "aborting" uterine leiomyoma.
- This specific presentation is rarely encountered in emergency medicine settings.
Findings:
- The case illustrates a less common, yet significant, cause of vaginal bleeding in women.
- It underscores the diagnostic challenge posed by atypical presentations of uterine leiomyomas.
- The phenomenon, while known in gynecology, is underrepresented in emergency medicine literature.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical role of a comprehensive pelvic examination in evaluating vaginal bleeding in women.
- Suggests emergency medicine physicians should consider "aborting" leiomyomas in the differential diagnosis for acute vaginal bleeding.
- Emphasizes the need for increased awareness and education regarding gynecologic emergencies among emergency medicine providers.