Couvelaire uterus

Last revised by Yuranga Weerakkody on 31 Mar 2021

Couvelaire uterus is a rare, non-fatal but severe complication of placental abruption

Epidemiology

Its incidence is ~5% in all cases of placental abruption 1

Pathology

It is caused by the seeping of blood/hematic infiltrate into the decidua basalis emerging as massive hematoma retroplacentally.

There is a classical blue/purple color change of the uterus wall, representing hemorrhage induced by disseminated intravascular coagulation 3-5

Ultimately it may result in placental separation. 

Treatment and prognosis

This condition is managed on a non-operative basis 2-4

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