Hemoperitoneum following a Motor Vehicle Accident in a Patient with 20 Uterine Leiomyomas

What is it about?

Uterine leiomyomas are neoplasms of the smooth muscle that can cause complications such as severe bleeding and infertility in women of reproductive age. While many individuals may be asymptomatic, others may present with anemia secondary to heavy bleeding, cyclical abdominal pain, pelvic pressure, and urinary or bowel symptoms. A rare complication of uterine leiomyomas is avulsion due to blunt abdominal trauma resulting in hemoperitoneum. We present a 49-year-old female with no pertinent medical history who presented to the emergency room following a motor vehicle accident.

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Why is it important?

Knowledge of leiomyoma symptoms, presentation, and complications by both the patient and clinicians may help identify diagnoses and expedite intervention in the emergency setting.