Iatrogenic uterine perforation with abdominal extrusion of fetal parts: a rare radiological diagnosis

J Radiol Case Rep. 2013 Jan;7(1):41-7. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v7i1.1332. Epub 2013 Jan 1.

Abstract

Background: Failure to detect uterine perforation during surgical abortion may result in adverse patient outcome besides having medicolegal implications. This rare case of uterine perforation was diagnosed seven days after abortion and underscores the importance of remaining vigilant for this complication during and after the procedure.

Case: A female underwent surgical abortion at sixteen weeks gestation and was discharged after the procedure, assuming no complication. She presented with abdominal pain seven days after the event. Ultrasound and CT revealed uterine perforation with abdominal expulsion of fetal parts.

Conclusion: A patient complaining of abdominal pain following recent abortion related instrumentation should alert the clinician regarding possibility of perforation. Secondary signs on ultrasound may reveal the diagnosis even if rent is not identified. CT is valuable in emergent situations.

Keywords: Uterine perforation; myometrial perforation; septic abortion; surgical abortion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Abortion, Incomplete / diagnosis
  • Abortion, Incomplete / etiology*
  • Abortion, Induced / adverse effects*
  • Dilatation and Curettage / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography
  • Uterine Perforation / diagnosis
  • Uterine Perforation / etiology*
  • Young Adult