Spontaneous rupture of a first-trimester gravid uterus in a woman exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero. A case report

J Reprod Med. 2003 Sep;48(9):744-6.

Abstract

Background: Poor reproductive outcome was well documented in several studies of women exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero. Spontaneous rupture of an unscarred uterus is rare and very uncommon in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Case: Spontaneous rupture of the uterus was diagnosed in a 28-year-old nullipara who developed acute abdominal pain at 12 weeks' gestation. She was known to have been exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero. Laparotomy revealed the rupture in the anterior fundal area of the uterus. Both tubes were normal.

Conclusion: Several spontaneous ruptures have been described, but this is the first case of first-trimester spontaneous rupture of an unscarred uterus in a diethylstilbestrol-exposed woman.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diethylstilbestrol / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*
  • Uterine Rupture / etiology*
  • Uterine Rupture / surgery

Substances

  • Diethylstilbestrol