title: Spontaneous Rupture of an Unscarred Uterus Diagnosed Postpartum: A Case Report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Uterine rupture is a tear in the uterine wall involving its full thickness, resulting in the formation of a defect in the uterine wall. The major risk factor is the presence of uterine scarring (specifically from Caesarean section), but it can also occur in an unscarred uterus. Although rare, this has been shown to result in more severe complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 31-year-old woman, gravida 6 para 6, without prior uterine incision or manipulation developed significant postpartum bleeding. She was found to have a uterine rupture with retroperitoneal extension, and surgical management was required.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early diagnosis of uterine rupture with rapid initiation of supportive and surgical care may significantly improve prognosis. It is imperative to consider uterine rupture in any obstetrical patient with hemodynamic instability or hemorrhage, regardless of whether risk factors (including a previous uterine scar) are present.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB.
authors.forename: Olga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Haakman
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB.
authors.forename: Devon
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ambrose
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Katopodis
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB.
authors.forename: Alon D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Altman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010298:Parity; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous / Q000175:diagnosis; D058994:Salpingectomy; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology*
keywords: Caesarean section; hysterectomy; postpartum hemorrhage; postpartum period; uterine rupture