title: An unusual cause of delayed postpartum haemorrhage following caesarean section.
abstract: Although less common in the UK, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)--defined as blood loss of 500 ml or more within the first 24 h of delivery--remains a significant cause of maternal death worldwide. Haemorrhage between 24 h and 6 weeks post partum is termed "delayed PPH". Common causes include retention of gestational products or endometritis. Bleeding can be sudden and profound, resulting in rapid cardiovascular collapse. A case of massive PPH 7 weeks after a caesarean section caused by a pseudoaneurysm of the uterine artery is reported. This case highlights diagnostic and therapeutic issues concerning this rare but potentially life-threatening condition and presents clinical features distinguishing it from other causes of PPH. Delay in diagnosis can result in repeated and catastrophic bleeding.
authors.affiliation: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK. sazia.samad@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Samad
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jonetzko
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Booth
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thorpe-Beeston
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Marwood
mesh_terms: D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011859:Radiography; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*