Splenic Rupture and Postpartum Hemorrhage After Emergent Cesarean Delivery: A Case Report

A A Pract. 2019 Oct 1;13(7):264-266. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001048.

Abstract

Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality. Although rare, peripartum splenic rupture (PSR) is a lethal cause of bleeding due to variable presentation and delayed diagnosis. A 22-year-old gravida 2, para 0, abortus 1 (G2P0A1) woman presented for premature rupture of membranes and was diagnosed with Influenza A and chorioamnionitis. She underwent emergent cesarean delivery under general anesthesia. Postoperatively, her condition worsened despite treatment for presumed sepsis. She was taken to the operating room for an exploratory laparotomy, and a splenectomy was performed for splenic rupture. We discuss management, risk factors, challenges, and importance of prompt treatment of PSR.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects*
  • Chorioamnionitis / diagnosis
  • Emergency Treatment
  • Female
  • Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / isolation & purification
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Splenectomy
  • Splenic Rupture / complications
  • Splenic Rupture / diagnosis*
  • Splenic Rupture / surgery
  • Young Adult