Thin anterior uterine wall with incomplete uterine rupture in a primigravida detected by palpation and ultrasound: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Uterine rupture is an obstetric complication associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This disorder usually occurs with a scarred uterus, especially in a uterus with prior Cesarean section. Uterine sacculation or diverticulum may also lead to a thin uterine wall during pregnancy.


METHODS
A 27-year-old Japanese primigravid woman was admitted to our hospital due to weak, irregular uterine contractions in her 38th week of gestation. She had no past history of uterine surgery or known diseases. A hard mass was palpable in her abdomen. An ultrasound revealed that the anterior uterine wall was thin and bulging, with a fetal minor part beneath it which corresponded to the palpated mass. A Cesarean section was performed which revealed a thin anterior uterine wall with incomplete uterine rupture. The woman and baby were healthy.


CONCLUSIONS
Although extremely rare, an unscarred primigravid uterus can undergo incomplete rupture even without discernable risk factors or labor pains. Abdominal palpation and ultrasound may be useful in detecting this condition.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Jichi Perinatal Education Center, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan. matsushi@jichi.ac.jp.
Shigeki
S
Matsubara
Kazuhiko
K
Shimada
Tomoyuki
T
Kuwata
Rie
R
Usui
Mitsuaki
M
Suzuki
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