Postpartum hemoperitoneum – A rare case of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm rupture after uncomplicated vaginal delivery

Abstract

Objective

Our aim is to demonstrate a rare cause of hemoperitoneum without vaginal bleeding resulting from the rupture of a uterine artery pseudoaneurysm after uncomplicated vaginal delivery.

Case report

A 39-year-old woman who had experienced a normal vaginal delivery 8 days previously to being seen in our hospital, was presented to the emergency room with hypovolemic shock. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed massive internal bleeding and a ruptured pseudoaneurysm arising from the left uterine artery. The patient was successfully treated through transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE).

Conclusion

A pseudoaneurysm is a rare disease which can occur during an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. The clinical presentation can vary from asymptomatic, vaginal bleeding or hemoperitoneum. The diagnosis can be made by using Doppler sonography, CTA or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The use of TAE is now the most common treatment option and possesses a high success rate.