Hemorrhaging Uterine Fibroid Leading to Emergent Early Term Cesarean Delivery: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: The incidence of uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, affecting pregnant individuals is estimated to be 10%, but there are no guidelines or recommendations for fetal or maternal surveillance in pregnancies affected by them. Risks associated with fibroids during pregnancy include potential for pain, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, higher cesarean delivery rate, fetal malpresentation, placenta abruption, and postpartum hemorrhage. Case presentation: This case describes a 26-year-old gravida 1 para 0 who presented at early term for severe abdominal pain and was found to have acute abdomen accompanied by a non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracing. With emergent cesarean delivery, it was found that the patient was hemorrhaging from a ruptured vessel of a pedunculated fibroid and myomectomy was subsequently performed. Conclusion: While rare, hemorrhage from a uterine fibroid should be considered a part of the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in pregnant patients with fibroids, particularly when accompanied by concurrent indicators such as free fluid, hypotension/tachycardia, or concerning changes in fetal heart rate especially in a patient without risk factors for uterine rupture.