Spontaneous Uterine Rupture in a Multigravid Pregnant Woman with Unscarred Uterus on Chronic Steroid Use: A Case Report

Abstract

BackgroundUterine rupture in pregnancy is associated with severe maternal and fetal complications. Although it is a rare event, uterine rupture has been associated with certain risk factors. Glucocorticoids are known to weaken skeletal muscles; however, there have been no studies on the effects of chronic steroid use on the uterine myometrium. CaseWe present the case of a 40-year-old multigravid woman who experienced a posterior uterine wall rupture on an unscarred uterus. She was on chronic glucocorticoids for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. We hypothesize that the catabolic effects of glucocorticoids on skeletal muscles also weakened the uterine myometrium, leading to a higher risk of uterine rupture. ConclusionUterine rupture may be associated with chronic use of corticosteroids. Identifying the different risk factors for uterine rupture can lead to more prompt diagnosis and management of uterine rupture, resulting in better maternal and fetal outcomes.