Large-volume hemoperitoneum and hemodynamic instability in uterine fibroid rupture: A case report

A perimenopausal woman with a known history of fibroid uterus presented to the emergency department with the chief complaint of three weeks of intermittent abdominal pain with acute worsening for two days. The pain was described as 10/10 “tearing” peri-umbilical pain with radiation to the rectum associated with nausea. Vital signs, laboratory results, and physical examination were largely unremarkable at presentation, aside from diffuse tenderness with rebound. Computed tomography revealed a markedly enlarged uterus and large-volume hemoperitoneum and sentinel clot sign, suggesting fibroid as the source of bleeding. Upon re-examination, the patient was found to be hypotensive and tachycardic with worsening hemoglobin, worsening abdominal distension, and a positive focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) exam. Although the source of bleeding was non-specific, a decision was made by the gynecology and general surgery teams to perform an emergency exploratory laparotomy. A midline vertical incision was made and four liters of blood were evacuated from the peritoneal cavity. The gynecology and general surgery teams thoroughly inspected the abdomen. A myomectomy was performed and good hemostasis was confirmed. The patient was transferred to the surgical intensive care unit, where she had an uncomplicated post-operative course. She was discharged home on postoperative day 4. Uterine fibroid rupture should be on the differential for hemoperitoneum in a patient with known fibroids and should be addressed with a timely multi-specialty approach.