Abdomen In Pregnancy Research Articles

A UTERINE RUPTURE NOT TO OVERLOOK IN THE CONTEXT OF RETROPLACENTAL HEMATOMA

Objective: To report a rare case of uterine rupture in the context of a Couvelaire uterus in a patient with no history of uterine surgery or manipulation and to discuss the clinical challenges and management strategies for such cases. Case Summary: A 34-year-old multiparous woman presented at 34 weeks gestation with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) and preeclampsia. Despite an unremarkable history with no prior cesarean deliveries or intrauterine interventions, she developed sudden hemodynamic instability and was diagnosed with uterine rupture during an emergency laparotomy. Intraoperatively, a large posterior uterine rupture was identified and repaired. Postoperatively, the patient experienced uterine atony and significant hemorrhage, necessitating additional surgical interventions including Tsirulnikov ligation and the B-Lynch uterine compression technique. The patient recovered well following intensive care management. Discussion: Uterine rupture in an unscarred uterus is an exceedingly rare event, particularly in the absence of classic risk factors. This case occurred in the context of a Couvelaire uterus, where extensive intramyometrial hemorrhage due to placental abruption may have weakened the uterine wall. The nonspecific clinical presentation, including the absence of abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, poses diagnostic challenges. Immediate surgical intervention is crucial, especially in low-resource settings where advanced treatment options may be limited. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for uterine rupture, even in patients without typical risk factors, and highlights the need for adaptable management strategies. Conclusion: Uterine rupture should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in pregnancy, regardless of the patients obstetric history. Early recognition, prompt surgical management, and flexible treatment strategies are essential for optimizing outcomes in such rare but potentially life-threatening situations. Further studies are needed to improve understanding and management of this rare complication.

EP120 - A Retrospective Review of Pregnant Patients Referred to an Emergency General Surgery Service

Abstract Aims To gain insight into the journey and outcomes of pregnant patients referred to an emergency general surgery service. Methods Surgical handover lists from Jan 2021-Dec 2023 were reviewed to identify pregnant patients referred to the service. Data was collected from the electronic patient record on demographics, timeline, imaging, diagnosis, management and subsequent delivery method if pregnancy reached term. Results There were 91 referrals of pregnant women to the emergency general surgery service over the 3 year period. 80% were for abdominal pain. 64% of patients received a documented review by a general surgery consultant, and 35% received a documented review by an obstetric consultant. For those presenting with abdominal pain, 79% had imaging other than plain film, the most common being ultrasound abdomen (75%). 5% of patients had an MRI abdomen and pelvis, and 4% of patients had a CT abdomen and pelvis. Of the 21 patients treated for a confirmed abdominal surgical diagnosis who had a documented delivery, 29% required emergency c-sections. In comparison, out of 17 patients who had either non-surgical pathologies or extra-abdominal surgical pathologies, excluding pregnancy-related complications, 0 went on to have emergency c-sections. This is statistically significant (p=0.0241). Conclusion The investigation and management of an acute abdomen in pregnancy poses a number of unique challenges. Our dataset, though small, has hinted at unacceptable rates of consultant review and under-utilisation of cross-sectional imaging. Furthermore, there is the suggestion that patients with confirmed abdominal surgical pathology may be at increased risk of delivering via emergency c-section. There is a need for further research into this patient population.

Adnexal Torsion in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Acute abdomen in pregnancy is one of the biggest diagnostic and therapeutic challenges today. Despite advances in medical technology, the preoperative diagnosis of acute abdominal conditions is still inaccurate. Torsion of the adnexa, which refers to complete or partial rotation of the adnexa, resulting in obstruction of venous and lymphatic reflux in the ovary, is a common gynecological emergency. Torn adnexa affect both the ovary and the fallopian tube, and rarely affect only one of them. Adnexal torsion occurs more frequently in the first and early second trimester than in the third trimester. It is difficult to diagnose in advanced pregnancy because of nonspecific symptoms and signs of acute abdomen as well as ultrasound limitations due to uterine enlargement complicate diagnosis. Late diagnosis and delayed surgical treatment result in ovarian loss and fetal endangerment. It is important to thoroughly evaluate the adnexa at the 1st ultrasound examination in pregnancy and to monitor the observed formations.

FRI234 A Pregnancy With Two Special Surprises A Baby And A Nonhemorrhagic Adrenal Infarction During Pregnancy

Abstract Disclosure: S. Idriss: None. N. Barua: None. I. Jamal: None. A. Jabiev: None. Introduction: Unilateral Acute adrenal infarction (AAI) is a rare cause of acute abdomen in pregnancy, with a reported incidence of 1.3%. It usually presents with sudden, severe, and unremitting flank pain. The most common cause of AAI is adrenal vein thrombosis. We present a 26-year-old pregnant female who presents with right flank and back pain, found to have AAI without hemorrhage. Case: 26-year-old female Primigravida without significant past medical history presented to the emergency room at 33 weeks of gestation with sudden onset of RUQ flank and back pain. She was afebrile and normotensive. Physical exam was positive for right flank point tenderness. She underwent multiple investigations including an abdominal US which did not reveal an acute pathology. She was admitted and started on opioids which failed to control her pain. An abdominal MRI was obtained subsequently revealing 4.6cm right adrenal gland lesion suspicious for AAI without hemorrhage and normal left adrenal gland. The pain was poorly controlled warranting Dilaudid drip and repeat imaging/CT showed adrenal gland mass with density of 41-52 HU suspicious for lipid poor adenoma versus adrenal hematoma on CT scan. Initial AM Cortisol level was 46 ug/dl, then it trended down to 31.7. DHEAS was low at 94.2 ug/dl. Plasma metanephrines and normetanephrines were normal. Course was complicated with hypotension and worsening pain on day 10 of admission, repeat MRI showed increase in right adrenal lesion size and cystic transformation, containing some T2 hypointense septations and debris without notable intrinsic T1 hyperintensity to suggest blood products, and restricted diffusion which is a finding compatible with AAI. Repeat AM Cortisol and DHEAS were low at 12 and 61.3 respectively. Despite normal left adrenal gland, clinical picture was consistent with adrenal insufficiency and she was started on stress steroids. Thrombophilia workup was negative. She ultimately underwent c-section on day 13 of admission. She was discharged on physiologic dose of steroids with a pending repeat MRI and outpatient follow up. Discussion: Adrenal glands, especially with preexisting nodules are predisposed to micro-vascular thrombosis and infarction during procoagulable states. Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state that predisposes patients to thrombotic events. The relative risk of thrombosis is 5-6 times higher in pregnant than non-pregnant females of the same age. Our patient had evidence of adrenal insufficiency and required steroid replacement. Anticoagulation was not started due to possible subtle hematoma on CT scan on initial imaging. Follow up imaging is planned. Conclusion: Adrenal infarction is a rare cause of abdominal pain during pregnancy, and if missed, it can result in devastating clinical consequences for the mother and the child. Adrenal insufficiency if found should be addressed to prevent circulatory collapse. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Acute Abdomen in Second Trimester Due to Ruptured Bicornuate Uterus

Acute abdomen in pregnancy is a challenging condition to the physicians due to difficulty in diagnosing and management. Bicornuate uterus (BU) is rare congenital anomalies which can gives arise to various obstetrics complications including uterine rupture even in unscarred uterus, present as acute abdomen. This is a case of acute abdomen in second trimester due to ruptured BU.

Unusual case of falciform ligament internal hernia in pregnancy

Acute abdomen in pregnancy poses various diagnostic challenges due to limitations in imaging modalities. It can be due to an obstetric or non-obstetric cause. Internal hernia through congenital defects is rare. Although internal hernia is not prevalent in pregnancy, it is increasing nowadays due to previous surgical defects in the mesentery and peritoneal folds. We report an unusual case of an internal hernia through a defect in the falciform ligament in a pregnant female where imaging findings helped in timely surgical intervention.

Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management.

An unusual diagnostic and treatment challenge is presented by an acute abdomen during pregnancy. Obstetric factors and other causes unrelated to pregnancyalso contribute to acute abdominal discomfort in pregnancy. Due to the changing clinical presentations brought on by the anatomical and physiological changes of pregnancy as well as the hesitation to utilize certain radiological studies out of concern about damaging the fetus, the diagnosis of the acute abdomen during pregnancy can be challenging. Delays in identification and treatment may have negative effects on the mother as well as the fetus. This review sheds light on the importance of anatomical andphysiological considerations, early diagnoses, and understanding the various modalities and etiologies of acute abdomen in pregnancy (AAP).We then move on to discuss the various diagnostic techniques that can help the physician determine thecauses and plan well-informed treatment. We examine and contrast different radiographic tests, including X-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound. We also talk about the various roles that these investigational methods can play in the evaluation and treatment throughout the duration of the pregnancy. The paper additionally addresses how to handle patients who appear with AAPand the different techniques used to treat them, including pre-operative laparoscopy. Before going over some more broad points that might be useful, we eventually dive into some of the more intriguing etiologies relating to AAP, such as isolated tubal torsion and neoplastic complications.

Prevalence, Aetiology, and Clinical Profile of Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy in Southwest Cameroon: A 5-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Acute abdomen is one of the commonest reasons for presentation at the emergency department. The physiologic changes of pregnancy increase the chances of developing acute abdomen. The global incidence of acute abdomen in pregnancy range from 1 in 500 to 1 in 635 pregnant women. In 2018, a study in Azerbaijan reported a prevalence of 25%. However, to the best of our knowledge, very few studies have been carried out on this subject in Cameroon. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, assess the aetiologies, and review clinical profile of acute abdomen in pregnancy in the Southwest Cameroon. Methods: We conducted a 5-year retrospective study at the Obst/Gyn and Surgical units of Kumba, Buea, and Limbe Regional Hospitals. We included all files of pregnant women that were admitted for acute abdomen within the study period (1st Jan 2017 to 31st Dec 2021). Data was collected using a structured checklist adapted from previous studies. Descriptive statistics and statistical testing was done using SPSS version 25.0. Chi-square was used to compare categorical variables. p Results: Over 14,106 pregnant women were admitted to the aforementioned hospitals within the study period. 335 (2.4%) met our inclusion criteria. The patients’ age ranged from 17 to 43 years. The mean age was 27 years. Acute abdomen was more frequent (65%) in the first trimester. Ectopic pregnancy was the commonest obstetric aetiology while appendicitis was the commonest non obstetric surgical aetiology. Abdominal pain and tenderness were the most common presentation. Conclusion: The prevalence of acute abdomen in pregnancy in the Southwest Cameroon is 10 times higher than the global prevalence. Our study also confirmed the numerous aetiologies and varied clinical presentations of acute abdomen in pregnancy. Hence a wake-up call for primary care physicians.

Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy

Ovarian torsion is not uncommon in pregnancy and presents as one of the causes of acute abdomen in pregnancy. It is more common in the 1st and the early 2nd trimesters but uncommon in the late 2nd and 3rd trimesters. An hemorrhagic cyst has been described as a predisposing factor, and even an imitator of ovarian torsion with ultrasonography been the imaging modality of first choice in its evaluation. The index case is an unusual presentation at the late 2nd trimester gestation, for which ultrasonography revealed a hemorrhagic cyst with normal Doppler findings. However, intraoperative findings were that of an adnexal torsion with infarction warranting salpingo-oophorectomy. Therefore, ultrasonographic findings of hemorrhagic ovarian cyst and relatively normal adnexal Doppler in a pregnant patient with clinical presentation of acute abdomen could highly be suggestive of ovarian torsion, necessitating urgent surgical evaluation and intervention to prevent adnexal infarction.

Non-obstetric Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy: a Review of Literature.

Acute abdomen in pregnancy (AAP) is defined as intensive abdominal pain lasting less than 24 hours that may require urgent surgery. It is a challenging situation to diagnose and manage, as it is associated with pain due to the normal anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. Therefore, understanding these changes and their effect on almost every system, will help us appreciate the upcoming causes of AAP, mainly the non-obstetric surgical emergencies (e.g., appendicitis, cholecystitis). This article highlights the importance of the well-rounded care that should be offered to every pregnant patient presenting to any center with a Non-obstetric Acute Abdomen. The causes are discussed separately (for surgical pearls), laparoscopic approach and radiologic modality decision-making in pregnancy, which is an academic and a practice-based helpful summary. This article highlights the importance of the well-rounded care that should be offered to every pregnant patient presenting to any center with a Non-obstetric Acute Abdomen. The causes are discussed separately (for surgical pearls), laparoscopic approach and radiologic modality decision-making in pregnancy, which is an academic and a practice-based helpful summary. Results and Discussion: In addition, the sequence of ideas and language used in the article was based to help the reader understand the topic, rather than inform them about it. In addition, the utility of laparoscopy in pregnancy remains a concern due to the possible risk of injury to the fetus and fetal acidosis. Although, trials showed that laparoscopy was associated with less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. Moreover, in some cases radiographic imaging is necessary, posing a diagnostic dilemma. AAP is a major concern that requires early interventions to pinpoint the cause and manage the patient, properly.

Postpartum Typhoid Intestinal Perforation

Background: Typhoid fever remains a highly contagious and multi-systemic infection caused by salmonellae typhi, and like other gastro-enteric infection, it poses a higher risk of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy as a result of the physiological changes associated with pregnancy as well as concerns of antibiotic safety in pregnancy. The occurrence of typhoid perforation in pregnancy may be easily confused for other causes of acute abdomen in pregnancy.
 We report the presentation, management and outcome of a 25 year old postpartum woman who presented with typhoid intestinal perforation in a resource limited environment. She had an emergency exploratory laparotomy and was managed post operatively in the ICU but clinically deteriorated and subsequently died on the third post-operative day secondary to multiple organ failure from severe sepsis.
 Typhoid perforation in pregnancy is a rare presentation, a high index of suspicion, and early intervention, would reduce the incidence of morbidity and mortality associated with this disease condition.

Perforated duodenal ulcer in the third trimester of pregnancy, with survival of both the mother and neonate, in Ethiopia: a case report

BackgroundPerforated peptic ulcer disease is a serious complication of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) that presents as acute abdomen. It is very uncommon during pregnancy, but its diagnosis in pregnancy is very challenging in general, and more so in the third trimester. Timely diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention can prevent maternal and fetal mortality, but delayed diagnosis is linked with poor maternal and fetal outcomes. The aim of this case report is to emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to consider the differential diagnosis of perforated PUD when presented with cases of acute abdomen in pregnancy and to involve a multidisciplinary team in management for better feto-maternal outcome.Case presentationA 35-year-old pregnant Ethiopian woman, Gravida 7 and Para 6, presented with a sudden onset of right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting of 7 hours duration at 36 weeks of gestation. She also had contractions and leakage of liquor of two hours duration. Her abdomen was grossly distended, rigid, and diffusely tender, and showed limited movement with respiration. An upright abdominal X-ray demonstrated air under the diaphragm. She was diagnosed with perforated peptic ulcer disease. Labor was augmented, and a 2.9-kg live male neonate was delivered vaginally. Two hours after delivery, laparoscopic omental patch repair was performed. The patient was discharged 7 days after the omental patch repair surgery in stable condition.ConclusionsPerforated PUD in pregnancy is a rare occurrence, which may account for the delay in diagnosis and management. Obstetricians should keep a high index of suspicion when a pregnant woman presents with acute abdomen. Care provided by obstetricians should be coupled with care provided by other disciplinary teams, in order to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

A Comparative Analysis of Pre Operative and Operative Findings in Non Traumatic Acute Abdomen: A Prospective Observational Study

Acute abdomen remains the important cause of morbidity and mortality in emergency. It requires careful history taking and thorough evaluation of symptoms, clinical examination and judicious use of radiological investigation which simplify the evaluation of disease. Aim and Objectives: To assess the accuracy of radiological diagnosis in comparison to postoperative diagnosis in non-traumatic cases of acute abdomen. Materials and Method: A prospective observational study of non-traumatic acute abdomen was carried out at Sahyadri Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Shimoga, Karnataka. Total of 78 cases of acute abdomen patients were evaluated and operated over a period from December 2018 to February 2020 and included in the study group. Pediatric age group (12 years and below), traumatic cases (blunt and penetrating), acute abdomen in pregnancy and gynecological causes of acute abdomen, urological cases, and conservatively managed cases were excluded from the study. Detailed history was taken and relevant physical examination performed. All patients underwent hematological and biochemical investigations, appropriate radiological investigation (USG, AXR and CT-scan) were performed based on clinical suspicion. Clinical and radiological diagnosis based on clinical examinations and radiological investigations was compared with post-operative diagnosis based on operative findings. Result: The most common age group was 20-60 years with male preponderance. Pain in abdomen was commonest symptom followed by vomiting, anorexia and fever. Tenderness was commonest clinical sign observed followed by rebound tenderness, tachycardia and guarding/rigidity. Acute appendicitis was the most common cause of acute abdomen followed by perforation peritonitis and intestinal obstruction. The overall diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination in acute abdomen was 81.8% and if radiological imaging techniques combined with this, the accuracy raised up to 94%. Conclusion: The study strongly suggested that with thorough history taking and proper clinical examination, clinical diagnosis was successfully achieved in 82% of patients. Radiological investigations help in confirming clinical suspicions and giving added information of underlying pathology with accuracy of 94%. Keywords: Abdomen Injury; Radiological Investigations; Trauma; Diagnostic Test; Perforation.

Acute abdomen in pregnancy, don’t forget colonic cancer

Acute abdomen in pregnancy, don’t forget colonic cancer

Parturient with Acute Abdomen.

Management of a parturient with an acute abdomen presents unique challenges. We aim to review the common obstetric and nonobstetric causes for acute abdomen in pregnancy, approach to diagnosis, the role of imaging, and management including the scope and timing of operative intervention.How to cite this articleKundu R, Srinivasan S. Parturient with Acute Abdomen. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(Suppl 3):S223–S229.

Right ovarian torsion and oophorectomy in second trimester of pregnancy with subsequent live birth at term

Introduction: Ovarian torsion is a cause of acute abdomen in pregnancy with an incidence of less than 1% occurring most commonly in the first trimester. The symptoms are non-specific with a propensity for missed or delayed diagnosis which may worsen the morbidity associated with this condition. Management is mainly surgical and pregnancy outcome is usually satisfactory. Case presentation: We present the case of a 29-year-old G2 P0 +1 with background polycystic ovaries who complained of abdominal pains at an Estimated Gestational Age (EGA) of 21 weeks in pregnancy. Clinical suspicion was confirmed with a 2D abdominopelvic ultrasound and she subsequently had emergency exploratory laparotomy with right oophorectomy. Pregnancy progressed well and she had a live birth at term. Conclusion: Ovarian torsion is rare in pregnancy. Complications following prompt surgical intervention are however, few and pregnancy outcomes are usually favourable. Keywords: Ovarian cyst; torsion; acute abdomen; cyst accident; pregnancy.

İzole tubal torsiyon nedeniyle miat gebelikte akut abdomen

Objective: Isolated tubal torsion in pregnancy is a rare condition we want to present this case. Case(s): In our study, we present a 23-year-old woman primigravida at 37 weeks of gestation with acute right lower abdominal pain. The clinical and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings led to diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Emergency exploratory laparotomy and cesarean section were performed. A twisted right Fallopian tube and Morgagni’s cyst was noted and right salpingectomy was performed. Conclusion: Although isolated tubal torsion during pregnancy is very rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in pregnancy. Early surgical intervention will decrease obstetric morbidity.

Intussusception Presenting as Intestinal Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Case Report from a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana

There is paucity of scientific data on intussusception in pregnancy globally which makes it a rare clinical occurrence. The symptoms in pregnancy may mimic obstetric conditions and thus presents a diagnostic dilemma to clinicians. A high index of suspicion is therefore needed in order to establish a preoperative diagnosis. We present a 29-year old woman, gravida 5 para 4, 2 alive and 2 dead (G5P42A+2D) at 23-weeks’ 6 days gestation from northern Ghana, who was referred to Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) as a case of acute abdomen. Initial clinical assessment and bedside ultrasonography led to a diagnosis of intussusception. A viable colo-colic intussusception was found on open laparotomy and a left hemicolectomy was performed. This was confirmed by histopathological examination of the resected bowel. There was no identifiable lead point. This case report illustrates how good and prompt initial clinical assessment supported with imaging led to a successful outcome of acute abdomen in pregnancy in a low – middle resource country.

Imaging of the Non-Obstetric Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy

Imaging of the Non-Obstetric Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy

Acute abdomen in pregnancy: a retrospective study of pregnant patients hospitalised for abdominal pain.

Abdominal emergencies occur in pregnant women with the rate of 1:500635 pregnancies. Such conditions usually develop from full health and worsen rapidly. Symptoms are often similar to those in physiological pregnancy (abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation). The diagnostic process is thus difficult and both the mother and her child are at risk. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of abdominal emergencies in the Department of Surgery, University Hospital in Pilsen and to consider their impact on pregnancy and on the newborn. We acquired aset of patients by retrograde collection of data. We searched for pregnant patients suspected of developing an abdominal emergency admitted to the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Pilsen between 2004 and 2015. We evaluated anumber of clinical signs to statistically describe the set. The set included 121 patients; 42 of the patients underwent asurgical procedure and 79 received conservative treatment. 38 patients underwent appendectomy; 6 appendixes were with no pathologies. McBurneysincision was an approach of choice in most cases. The most frequent symptom was pain in the right lower abdominal quadrant. The foetus has been lost in none of the cases. Acute appendicitis was the most frequent abdominal emergency in our set and also the most frequent reason for surgical intervention. The most specific sign was pain in the right lower abdominal quadrant. No impact of appendicitis or appendectomy on the health of the newborn has been observed. Even though abdominal emergencies in pregnancy are relatively rare, the results of the department are very good.