Rare causes of acute abdomen in pregnancy: “ultrasound to the rescue”. A review of two cases

Abstract

AbstractAcute abdomen in pregnancy poses special challenge to the pregnant woman, her unborn infant, and the attending physician. The problems are multifactorial, as the physiological changes in pregnancy mask some of the clinical signs that can be elicited in making accurate diagnosis. Some diagnostic modalities are not feasible in pregnancy because of their effects on the fetus. Another dilemma is that two lives are at stake. It becomes even more challenging when one is faced with rare causes. For these reasons, the choice of diagnostic modality becomes critical. The chosen diagnostic modality should not only be readily available, non-invasive, least hazardous to the mother and fetus, but should also provide adequate information to enable accurate diagnosis. Ultrasonography provides such an opportunity and should be utilized whenever the need arises. We present two cases of acute abdomen in pregnancy managed at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital: one was seen in the third trimester and the other in the first trimester, each with its peculiar presentation. The review is meant to alert obstetricians on the critical role of ultrasound in enhancing accurate diagnosis in the face of a complex clinical condition like acute abdomen in pregnancy.