Spontaneous Rupture of the Uterine Artery in an Otherwise Normal Pregnancy

Authors

  • Nicholas Brent Hardin
  • Andrew Delozier
  • Alireza Torabi
  • Shaked Laks

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v11i1.2946

Keywords:

Uterus, Uterine artery, Rupture, Hemorrhage, Spontaneous

Abstract

Spontaneous rupture of a uterine artery in pregnancy is associated with a high rate of mortality. Although uterine artery rupture has been associated with postpartum hemorrhage, it is rarely found during pregnancy. Unfortunately, clinical signs and symptoms are usually vague and nonspecific. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman at 20 weeks gestation presenting with abdominal pain who was found to have a spontaneous uterine artery rupture. To our knowledge, this is the first case report demonstrating imaging findings in a patient with this condition. Our patient underwent successful ligation of the uterine vessel with preservation of both mother and fetus. We will discuss possible etiologies of uterine artery rupture during pregnancy, associated imaging findings, and management options.

Author Biographies

Nicholas Brent Hardin

PGYIV

Diagnostic Radiology Resident

Andrew Delozier

MS4

Texas Tech University, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine

Alireza Torabi

Assistant Professor of Pathology

Department of Pathology

Shaked Laks

Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Radiology

Department of Diagnostic Radiology

Published

2017-01-25

Issue

Section

Obstetric & Gynecologic Radiology