Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in a term pregnancy mimicking uterine rupture: A case report

Authors

  • Dr. Doreen Nekesa Wekesa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Dr. Cyprian Michieka Nyariki Department of Clinical medicine, School of Medicine, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
  • Dr. Elizabeth Odondi Ochieng' Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
  • Dr. Anne N. Pulei Department of Human Anatomy and Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59692/jogeca.v35i3.52

Keywords:

laparotomy, spontaneous hemoperitoneum, uterine rupture

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous hemoperitoneum during pregnancy is a rare occurrence and an obstetric emergency that presents with acute abdominal pain and shock.

Case presentation: A 25-year-old primigravida at 38 weeks of gestation presented to the emergency unit in shock. She had a history of severe generalized abdominal and back pain of sudden onset, dizziness, and syncope with no history of trauma. Ultrasonography revealed free peritoneal fluid with a live intrauterine fetus. Blood transfusion, emergency laparotomy, and cesarean delivery were performed. A live female infant was delivered and admitted to the newborn unit. Postoperatively, the patient was started on antibiotics and analgesics and was stable at discharge.

Conclusion: Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy is a rare cause of maternal collapse, which may mimic uterine rupture and abruptio placentae. A high index of suspicion is required in women with acute onset of abdominal pain and abnormal maternal hemodynamics during pregnancy.

Author Biographies

Dr. Doreen Nekesa Wekesa, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Dr. Cyprian Michieka Nyariki, Department of Clinical medicine, School of Medicine, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Tutorial fellow, Department of Clinical medicine, School of Medicine, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Dr. Elizabeth Odondi Ochieng', Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Lecturer, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

Dr. Anne N. Pulei, Department of Human Anatomy and Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Lecturer, Department of Human Anatomy and Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya

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Published

2023-09-30

How to Cite

Wekesa, D., Nyariki, C., Ochieng’, E., & Pulei, A. (2023). Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in a term pregnancy mimicking uterine rupture: A case report. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Eastern and Central Africa, 35(3), 75–77. https://doi.org/10.59692/jogeca.v35i3.52

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 3 (2023): JOGECA Volume 35 Issue 3

Section

Case report

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