Severe life-threatening hemoperitoneum from posttraumatic avulsion of a pedunculated uterine leiomyoma

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomas are common tumors in women, and most of their complications are well known. Rupture of a uterine leiomyoma is an unusual source of severe hemoperitoneum. The cause seems to be spontaneous rupture of a leiomyoma vessel or is secondary to abdominal trauma. Herein, we describe the case of a 46-year-old woman who had a history of uterine myomas and came to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain after she fell while jogging. The patient's hemodynamic parameters were stable. An ultrasound examination and computed tomography scan showed multiple uterine myomas and free fluid in the peritoneum without signs of splenic rupture. Laparoscopy was performed, which revealed active bleeding from the base of a pedunculated myoma. The patient required transfusion of 2 units of packed red blood cells, and a subtotal hysterectomy via laparotomy was performed, with an uneventful postoperative course. Because surgical management is needed in an emergency, physicians should be aware of this rare but severe complication in patients with known uterine myomas.