title: Complete fetal transection after a motor vehicle collision.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of fetal death related to maternal trauma, with rupture of the gravid uterus being one potential grave outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of a woman at 22 weeks of gestation who presented to the emergency department after a "high-speed" motor vehicle collision. On initial presentation, she was hemodynamically stable, and the examination was significant for midabdominal transverse ecchymosis from seatbelt trauma. A computed tomography scan identified a probable uterine rupture. Laparotomy revealed a 1,500-mL hemoperitoneum and a completely ruptured uterus requiring hysterectomy. The fetus was completely transected at the level of the midabdomen.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Uterine rupture is possible for gravid women involved in motor vehicle collisions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Antonio Uniformed Services Heath Education Consortium, San Antonio, Texas, USA. larissa.weir@sbcglobal.net
authors.forename: Larissa F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Weir
authors.forename: Brian T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Pierce
authors.forename: Jose O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Vazquez
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D049188:Prenatal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000009:adverse effects; D014597:Uterine Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy