https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3843-3832
![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
Background
Primary rupture of an unscarred uterus is rare. Spontaneous rupture of an unscarred bicornuate uterus is a life-threatening obstetric emergency with high morbidity and mortality in the mother and fetus; however, it most commonly occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Case
A 20-year-old primigravid woman at 22 weeks of gestation, with no prior surgery, presented with severe abdominal pain, anemia, and hemodynamic instability. With a preoperative diagnosis of uterine rupture, she was transfused with three units of cross-matched whole blood and underwent emergency laparotomy. Intraoperative findings showed a ruptured bicornuate uterus and a dead fetus in the abdomen with huge hemoperitoneum. Postoperative recovery was smooth, and the patient was discharged after being counselled on family planning and subsequent pregnancy.
Conclusion
A bicornuate uterus may be an independent risk factor for uterine rupture, which can occur in primigravid women at any stage of pregnancy. Each obstetrician should have a high index of suspicion for a rare condition like ruptured bicornuate uterus, especially for a pregnant woman presenting with acute abdominal pain and hemodynamic instability. Early ultrasonography plays a key role in the evaluation, follow-up, and management of these patients.
Consent and Ethics
Written informed consent was provided by the patient for publication of case details and accompanying images. This case report was approved by the Institutional Review Board (Jigjiga).
Acknowledgment
We thank the family for their interest and cooperation with the publication of this report.
Disclosure
The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this study.