Document Type

Article

Department

Obstetrics and Gynaecology (East Africa)

Abstract

Background: Uterine rupture is a rare complication that can occur in the frst trimester of pregnancy. It can lead to serious maternal morbidity or mortality, which is mostly due to catastrophic bleeding. First trimester uterine rupture is rare; hence, diagnosis can be challenging as it may be confused with other causes of early pregnancy bleeding such as an ectopic pregnancy. We present a case of frst trimester scar dehiscence and conduct a literature review of this rare condition.

Case presentation: A 39-year-old African patient with four previous hysterotomy scars presented with severe lower abdominal pain at 11 weeks of gestation. She had two previous histories of third trimester uterine rupture in previous pregnancies with subsequent hysterotomies and repair. She underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy that confrmed the diagnosis of a 10 cm anterior wall uterine rupture. A laparotomy and repair of the rupture was subsequently done.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the case presented adds to the body of evidence of uterine scar dehiscence in the frst trimester. The risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and management outlined may help in early identifcation and management of this rare but life threatening condition.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of Medical Case Reports

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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