Couvelaire uterus resulting in haemoperitoneum

Abstract

Abstract First described by Dr Alexandre Couvelaire in 1911, a Couvelaire uterus is a rare complication of severe placental abruption (PA), which is diagnosed by the direct visualization of the uterus. There has been only one case report thus far that reported of an intraperitoneal bleed due to PA resulting in a poor outcome. We present a rare and serious case of Couvelaire uterus resulting in haemoperitoneum with a good outcome (live healthy infant, uterus preservation and total blood loss of 800 ml) in a primigravida with no prior risk factors and low-risk pregnancy other than a complete placenta praevia diagnosed during anatomy scan, which subsequently was reported as clear of cervix in third trimester ultrasound scan. She was diagnosed with placenta abruption and pre-eclampsia post-partum. Most cases of PA cannot be predicted or prevented. However, in some cases, close monitoring and timely decision-making can prevent adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.