Acute uterine torsion complicated by severe placental abruption resulting in maternal cardiopulmonary arrest
Abstract
A pregnant woman at 32 weeks' pregnancy presented to the Emergency Department with cardiopulmonary arrest requiring active cardiopulmonary resuscitation and perimortem caesarean section. Operative findings revealed a fresh stillborn foetus and a completely detached placenta with 4 L of retroplacental blood and blood clots, suggesting a severe case of placental abruption. An inadvertent posterior uterine wall incision was detected upon uterine closure. A formal exploratory laparotomy was performed after the patient was well-stabilised following the return of spontaneous circulation. The inadvertent posterior uterine wall incision indicated a 135° uterine torsion. The mother survived but suffered severe brain injury.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Maternal and fetal healthcare
Cardiovascular Issues in Pregnancy
Muscle and Compartmental Disorders
Publication details
- Journal / source
- BMJ Case Reports
- Publisher
- BMJ
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- e264716–e264716
- Publication date
- 1 February 2026
- Language
- EN