UTERINE RUPTURE LEAD FOLLOWING FALL FROM HEIGHT: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Background: Trauma during pregnancy poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health, with motor vehicle accidents being the most common cause. Uterine rupture, although rare, is a potentially catastrophic complication that can occur even in unscarred uteri, particularly when associated with high-impact trauma.

Case Details: We report the case of a 39-year-old woman, G10 P9 at 40 weeks of gestation, who suffered a fall from a considerable height due to a motor vehicle accident. Initially presented with multiple traumas, the patient was hypotensive, tachycardic, and semi-conscious with severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Diagnostic evaluation using FAST ultrasound revealed free intraperitoneal fluid, indicative of internal bleeding. Emergency exploratory laparotomy confirmed a traumatic rupture of the uterus, with subsequent intrauterine fetal demise. The patient underwent successful surgical repair and stabilization but required extensive postoperative care, including blood transfusion and nephrectomy.

Conclusion: This case underscores the critical need for rapid assessment and intervention in pregnant trauma patients, highlighting the importance of considering uterine rupture in the differential diagnosis following significant trauma. The management of such cases requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to improve survival and outcomes for both the mother and fetus.