title: Abdominal apoplexy associated with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system--case report.
abstract: Abdominal apoplexy is defined as intraabdominal haemorrhage without an identifiable pathology. This life-threatening situation is hardly mentioned in the literature. The clinical tableau is non-specific. The onset can be with nausea, mild to severe abdominal pain, a palpable mass in the abdomen or flank and sings of hypovolemic shock. The approach should be resuscitation, look for a likely underlying cause and control the bleeding. The present report will describe a case of abdominal apoplexy in a patient using a levonorgestrel intrauterine system. The management and possible origins of abdominal apoplexy will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, University Hospital Antwerpen, Edegem, Belgium.
authors.forename: W A A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Tjalma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D016912:Levonorgestrel