Benckiser’s hemorrhage following a vasa previa rupture: An uncommon case report

Abstract

Background: Vasa praevia is an uncommon but very serious condition that is characterized by the presence of vessels belonging to the fetal circulation in the amniotic membranes surrounding the internal cervical os below the fetal presenting part. These vessels are at risk of rupture in active labor, or when the membranes spontaneously or artificially rupture, which can result in an acute fetal exsanguination and death. The prenatal diagnosis is thus of paramount importance, allowing a prophylactic cesarean section and therefore avoids severe Benckiser’s hemorrhage responsible for very high neonatal mortality.