Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Iqbal S, Weerakkody Y, Knipe H, Couvelaire uterus. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 10 Jun 2023) https://radiopaedia.org/articles/88097
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.
- 1. Rathi M, Rathi SK, Purohit M, Pathak A. Couvelaire uterus. (2014) BMJ case reports. doi:10.1136/bcr-2014-204211 - Pubmed
- 2. Dashraath P, Dashraath WY, Dashraath. Couvelaire Uterus. (2020) The New England journal of medicine. doi:10.1056/NEJMicm2010749 - Pubmed
- 3. Hubbard J, Hubbard HS, Hubbard. Couvelaire uterus. (1997) The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. doi:10.7556/jaoa.1997.97.9.536 - Pubmed
- 4. Pitaphrom A, Pitaphrom SN, Pitaphrom. Pregnancy outcomes in placental abruption. (2006) Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet. doi: - Pubmed
- 5. Serrano BM, Serrano BJ, Serrano CDnG, Serrano. [Couvelaire uterus in puerperium. A case report]. (2014) Ginecologia y obstetricia de Mexico. doi: - Pubmed
- 6. Michiels I, Roumen FJ. [Diagnostic image (213). A pregnant woman with premature contractions and vaginal blood loss]. (2004) Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde. 148 (44): 2174. Pubmed
Promoted articles (advertising)
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.