An Unusual Case of Placenta Abruption Leading to Couvelaire Uterus in a Previable Pregnancy

Abstract

Couvelaire uterus or uteroplacental apoplexy is a rare complication of abruptio placentae whose etiology is unknown. It is a clinical diagnosis made during visual inspection of the uterus. Immediate management is usually conservative and hysterectomy is usually not required. Our case highlights the importance of early recognition of a clinically unstable previable pregnant patient with suspected placenta abruption and early surgical recourse with successful emergency hysterotomy.