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Uterine Torsion with Shock
Author(s) -
Kovavisarach Ekachai,
Vanitcha Pisanu
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1999.tb03417.x
Subject(s) - medicine , supine position , placental abruption , uterus , torsion (gastropod) , shock (circulatory) , in utero , surgery , pregnancy , fetus , biology , genetics
EDITORIAL COMMENT: We accepted this case report of uterine torsion with shock for publication, although this issue of the journal carries another case report of this condition, because it is easy to believe that the placental abruption that occurred in this woman was precipitated by the uterine torsion causing an increase in venous pressure. It has been stated over the years that vena caval occlusion due to the supine position can increase venous pressure and cause placental abruption, an observation that has been supported by experimental vena caval ligation in animals resulting in retroplacental haemorrhage. Torsion of the uterus through 180 degrees could surely cause similar vascular complications. The lesson provided by this case is that a patient who suffers sudden onset of abdominal pain and shock in late pregnancy, together with fetal death in utero, may have torsion of the uterus with or without concealed placental abruption as occurred in this case.