Painless spontaneous haemoperitoneum secondary to a uterine leiomyoma/fibroid: unusual presentation of a life-threatening differential

Abstract

This is a case of a 47-year-old woman with a spontaneous haemoperitoneum secondary to uterine leiomyomas (fibroids), an important differential diagnosis in patients with uterine fibroids and hypovolaemic shock. Uterine fibroids are very common in women of reproductive age, yet little is taught about their potential to cause hypovolaemic shock. Although it is a rare complication, given the prevalence of fibroids, it is important to bear this life-threatening differential in mind to optimise the care for these women. Presentation typically involves abdominal pain, syncope, haemodynamic instability and an intra-abdominal mass. CT of the abdomen and pelvis can be helpful in identifying the source of the haemoperitoneum, but should not delay surgery, which is the definitive management.