Postcoital hemoperitoneum caused by ruptured corpus luteal cyst: a hidden etiology

Abstract

Corpus luteal rupture is a common gynecologic cause for hemoperitoneum. Recent sexual intercourse is usually a preceding factor. However, postcoital hemoperitoneum without evident vaginal injury or trauma is rarely reported. We present a 34-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with severe bilateral lower quadrant abdominal pain after sexual intercourse. CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed an intra-abdominal hematoma with extravasation of contrast questionable to be from one of the branches of the left internal iliac artery, and no adnexal abnormalities. Left internal iliac artery angiogram was performed and revealed no active extravasation. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and revealed an actively bleeding left ovarian ruptured area that was repaired and biopsied. No evidence of cysts was observed. Histopathological examination revealed a hemorrhagic corpus luteal cyst. Suspicion for corpus luteal rupture as a cause of postcoital hemoperitoneum should be maintained despite nonevidence of cysts on CT or intraoperatively.