Uterine Incarceration: Rare Cause of Urinary Retention in Healthy Pregnant Patients

West J Emerg Med. 2015 Sep;16(5):790-2. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2015.7.27185. Epub 2015 Oct 20.

Abstract

Gravid uterine incarceration (GUI) is a condition that is well discussed in literature; however, there are few acute diagnoses in the emergency department (ED). We present a case series where three multiparous females presented to the ED with non-specific urinary symptoms. On bedside ultrasound, each patient was noted to have a retroverted uterus and inferior bladder entrapment under the sacral promontory. GUI is a rare condition that can lead to uremia, sepsis, peritonitis, and ultimately maternal death. Emergency physicians should include GUI in their differential diagnosis in this patient population and use bedside ultrasound as an adjunct to diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Retention / etiology*
  • Uterine Diseases / complications*
  • Uterine Diseases / diagnosis
  • Uterine Diseases / etiology
  • Young Adult