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Spontaneous expulsion of large submucosal uterine fibroid without embolisation – a case study
Author(s) -
De Cure Natalie,
Sullivan Tegan,
Robertson Meiri,
Hallam Lavinia,
Whale Karen
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
australasian journal of ultrasound in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2205-0140
pISSN - 1836-6864
DOI - 10.1002/j.2205-0140.2013.tb00096.x
Subject(s) - medicine , myometrium , vascularity , gestation , uterine fibroids , fetus , histopathology , pregnancy , obstetrics , fetal growth , gynecology , uterus , surgery , pathology , biology , genetics
Background : This case involved a 35‐year‐old G6P0 with multiple uterine fibroids detected at 12 weeks gestation. Fibroid growth was monitored throughout pregnancy, and intrauterine growth restriction (< 5th centile) was detected at 20 weeks. Fetal demise occurred at 22+ weeks gestation at which time the largest of fibroids measured 150 × 100 × 118 mm and labour was induced. Materials and methods : Serial ultrasounds following delivery showed features of reduced vascularity and separation of the fibroid from the myometrium, consistent with spontaneous degeneration. Our patient re‐presented with severe pain and went on to expel the fibroid spontaneously 41 days post induction of labour. Histopathology confirmed fibroid degeneration. Conclusion : This case demonstrates spontaneous fibroid degeneration and expulsion without embolisation. This may have resulted from the hormonal and mechanical effects of induction of labour. This case also demonstrated the effects of large intrauterine fibroids on fetal growth and increased risk of fetal demise, highlighting the importance of closer monitoring of fetal growth in such pregnancies.