Urinary retention caused by impaction of leiomyoma in pregnancy

Incarcerated gravid uterus: a new treatment using the transvaginal ultrasound probe and narrative literature review

BACKGROUND

'Incarcerated gravid uterus' is a morbid complication that occurs in 1 in 3000 pregnancies. It is characterized by failure of a retropositioned uterus to become an abdominal organ between 12 to 14 weeks of gestation. If maternal symptoms develop or gestational age surpasses 14 to 16 weeks, replacement of a retropositioned uterus is recommended to reduce adverse outcomes. Previously described techniques for management include passive reduction, digital replacement, or more invasive methods such as laparoscopy, laparotomy, or sigmoidoscopy. These methods are either minimally effective, painful, or risky.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this report is to describe our clinical experience with a new minimally invasive technique that uses the transvaginal ultrasound probe for uterine replacement in cases of incarceration, to conduct a narrative literature review on 'incarcerated gravid uterus,' and to propose an algorithm for management of this condition.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a case series of 8 patients with an incarcerated gravid uterus who were managed with the transvaginal ultrasound probe technique at one academic medical institution between March 2020 and July 2023, as well as a narrative review of the literature on 'incarcerated gravid uterus.' PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid MEDLINE databases were searched for the terms "incarcerated gravid uterus," "uterine incarceration," "uterine sacculation," and "retroverted uterus" up to April 2024.

RESULTS

The transvaginal ultrasound probe technique resulted in successful uterine replacement, with resolution of symptoms, in all 8 patients. All pregnancies resulted in live births with good neonatal outcomes-7 out of 8 patients delivered at term, and 1 delivered in the late preterm period.

CONCLUSION

Our proposed technique for treatment of an incarcerated gravid uterus with the transvaginal ultrasound probe is simple, minimally invasive and effective. Based on our experience and the narrative literature review, an algorithm for the management of an incarcerated gravid uterus is proposed.

Incarceration of the gravid uterus: a case report and literature review

Background

Incarceration of the gravid uterus is a rare obstetric disorder that contributes to pregnancy-related complications. To understand its clinical characteristics and managements, we have reviewed the etiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics and current treatments of an incarcerated gravid uterus based on 162 cases reported in the English language literature, including our patient.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old primigravida, with a history of lymphatic tuberculosis, infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes and received in vitro fertilization. The patient presented with urine retention and lower abdominal pain in the early second trimester. Uterine incarceration was diagnosed based on pelvic examination and abdominal ultrasound. A Foley catheter was placed and manual reposition was successful. No episode of retention was experienced after the further enlargement of the uterus and its ascent. A healthy infant was delivered vaginally on 38th week of pregnancy.

Conclusions

Uterine incarceration due to pelvic adhesions is rare and, because of it non-specific clinical presentations, is often misdiagnosed. Abdominal ultrasound is instrumental for the diagnosis because it can directly image the disturbed uterine and pelvic anatomy. There are limited treatment options for uterine incarceration, but definitive diagnosis allows procedures to treat and to reduce severe complications of uterine incarceration.

Unusual presentation of uterine leiomyoma

Uterine leiomyoma is the most common pelvic tumour in women. The presentation of uterine leiomyoma varies. Symptoms may include abnormal uterine bleeding or abdominal pressure and heaviness; however, most cases are asymptomatic. We report a case with renal impairment as the first presentation of uterine leiomyoma in a patient who presented with extensive bilateral lower limb oedema and no menstrual symptoms. Imaging studies, a subsequent Papanicolaou test and uterine biopsy were suggestive of uterine leiomyoma, which was confirmed by pathological examination after hysterectomy. The patient's kidney impairment resolved completely after the procedure.

Renal impairment as a complication of uterine fibroids: a retrospective hospital-based study

Leiomyomas can cause obstructive renal impairment and renal failure. This was a retrospective study of women with renal impairment seen at the University of the West Indies Hospital, Jamaica, between 2000 and 2004, looking at aetiology and severity (group 1). We also evaluated patients, in the same hospital, with fibroids who had ultrasonography during a later period (2006-2011), comparing those who had hydronephrosis and those without (group 2). In group 1, 274 women were coded as renal impairment. Case notes for 160 patients (59%) were analysed. Uterine fibroids accounted for 13/160 (8.1%) of cases. Comparing cases with and without fibroids, none of those with fibroids were over 50 years old compared with 59.3% of the others, OR 0.02 (CI 0.00-0.35) p = 0.0001. Hospital data for renal failure showed that most mean values were significantly better for those with fibroids. Urea, 8.59 mmol/l (SD 9.89) vs 17.00 mmol/l (SD 13.41) p = 0.003; Creatinine 300.15 μmol/l (SD490.92) vs 424.05 μmol/l (SD553.29) p = 0.022 and Creatinine clearance 73.21 ml/min (SD 38.92) vs 44.25 ml/min (SD 49.71) p = 0.017. However, mean potassium values were similar, 4.52 mmol/l (SD 0.61) vs 4.85 mmol/l (SD1.03) p = 0.2. In group 2, there were 216 patients and we found 31 (14.35%) patients at ultrasonography with hydronephrosis from fibroids. These patients had significantly larger uteri than those without hydronephrosis but renal function was similar, with only urea values significantly worse. Leiomyomas can cause renal impairment, however the prognosis appears good.

Colonoscopy-assisted reposition of the incarcerated uterus in mid-pregnancy: a report of four cases and a literature review

The treatment of mid-gestational uterine incarceration remains a challenge. The success rate of manual reduction decreases with gestational age, and an operative procedure may carry important fetal, next to possible maternal morbidities. We will present four cases of uterine incarceration between the 15th and 25th week of pregnancy of which three colonoscopy-assisted manual repositions proved successful. It illustrates that conservative treatment of uterine incarceration is feasible, even during the late second trimester. That is why a review of the conservative approach of this rare condition is also presented.

Recurrent incarceration and/or sacculation of the gravid uterus: a review

Retroverted uterine incarceration with sacculation of the anterior wall is reported to occur approximately in 1/3000 pregnancies. A literature search identified only one case report of incarceration of an anteflexed gravid uterus and six reported cases of recurrent incarceration and/or sacculation. We present a case of an incarceration of an anteflexed uterus in the first pregnancy, followed by a retroflexed incarceration in the second pregnancy. From this, a review is presented on recurrent uterine incarceration and/or sacculation.

Urologic emergencies in pregnancy

The management of urological emergencies during pregnancy presents unique clinical challenges for the treating physician. Clinical signs and symptoms are often subtle while diagnostic and therapeutic options are limited in treating patients to avoid fetal morbidity. A high index of suspicion with early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the management of genitourologic emergencies in pregnant women. It is essential for patients to be managed on an individual basis using a multidisciplinary approach.

Acute urinary retention caused by a large impacted leiomyoma

OBJECTIVE

Both acute urinary retention (UR) and impacted pelvic mass are rare events in women. We report a case of complete UR caused by impaction of a large myomatous uterus.

CASE

A 36-year-old virgin woman presented to the outpatient clinic of our department for further investigation of her pelvic mass. Abdominal sonography showed a solid, hypoechoic, 11 x 9 cm mass filling the pelvic cavity. After sonography, the patient was unable to void second time in that week and a Foley catheter had to be re-inserted. Laparotomy revealed a large myoma filling the entire pelvic cavity. The uterus-mass complex was impacted in the pelvis, leiomyoma had been compressing the uterus into the base of the pelvis. Myomectomy was performed.

CONCLUSION

It seems that complete UR associated with pelvic mass is usually a sign of pelvic impaction of the mass.

Solitary anterior abdominal wall leiomyoma in a 31-year-old multipara woman: a case report

Background

Anterior abdominal wall fibroid are uncommon and could be a cause of pain and discomfort. Very few cases have been reported in the literature but none in our region.

Case presentation

We present an uncommon case of a 31 year old para 2+2 trader from the Itsekiri tribe of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria who presented with a one year history of a periumbilcal mass, had surgical removal of the mass and histology revealed leiomyoma.

Conclusion

Abdominal wall fibroid is a good differential diagnosis to be considered in any woman of reproductive age with an anterior abdominal mass and previous uterine surgery, including laparoscopic surgeries.

Uterine fibroid embolization for patients with acute urinary retention

Acute urinary retention due to uterine fibroids is rare. In reported cases, hysterectomy and myomectomy have been the recommended therapies. Herein, the authors describe two patients with acute obstructive urinary retention who experienced immediate improvement and the ability to spontaneously void after uterine fibroid embolization. The rapidity of response and the nonsurgical nature of this therapy suggest that it may be used as the first-line therapy for this rare event.

Fibroid-induced acute urinary retention: treatment by uterine artery embolization

A 39-year-old gravida 2 para 2 woman presented to our Hospital's Emergency Department with complaints of difficulty voiding. She had an enlarged leiomyomatous uterus, for which she was not receiving any current treatment. A Foley catheter placed yielded 1,500 cc of clear yellow urine; however, the patient remained Foley-dependent for 2 weeks until she underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE). Twenty-four hours afterwards, the Foley catheter was removed and the patient spontaneously voided with negligible post-void residual. There was no recurrence of urinary retention or development of any other urinary symptoms during the outpatient follow-up period. Repeat pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1 week after UAE showed negligible reduction in the size of the fibroids and uterus in comparison with a pre-procedure MRI. The Vascular Steal Theory, first presented in this paper, discusses this improvement in symptoms without significant change in size.

Anatomic and functional changes of the lower urinary tract during pregnancy

Pregnant women usually acknowledge and more or less accept symptoms of urinary frequency, nocturia, and leakage as annoying aspects of pregnancy that are expected to resolve when the pregnancy is over. Studies have shown that urinary symptoms may be more than just "annoying" - the symptoms can markedly reduce quality of life. This article provides an overview of the lower urinary tract during pregnancy, including considerations of symptoms of urinary frequency; nocturia and incontinence; changes in bladder support; and the occurrence of urinary retention, a urologic emergency.

Intermittent urinary retention secondary to a uterine leiomyoma

Urinary retention rarely affects reproductive-age women. In obstructive retention, the source must be determined and then removed to allow the patient to void normally. The most common causes of obstructive retention are gynecologic surgery and pelvic masses. Two women with intermittent urinary retention were evaluated in our clinic. Case 1 was a 48-year-old patient who voided frequently to avoid urinary retention. She had an ultrasound showing a large posterior leiomyoma. Case 2 was a 49-year-old female who presented with urinary retention during her menses. Magnetic resonance imaging result showed a large posterior leiomyoma deflecting the cervix anteriorly. Both women's urinary retention completely resolved after a total abdominal hysterectomy. Uterine leiomyomas may be the cause of urinary retention in reproductive-age females without other etiologies.

Incarceration of the retroverted gravid uterus: the key to successful treatment

INTRODUCTION

Incarceration of the retroverted gravid uterus is rare, and it is difficult to make a diagnosis, and, therefore, difficult to treat. We present two cases of incarceration of the retroverted gravid uterus.

CASE REPORT

Two pregnant women presented with urinary retention at 14 weeks' gestation. We tried to push the gravid uterus upward, but in the end the two women underwent cesarean section. In one of the women it was possible to relieve incarceration of the retroverted gravid uterus.

CONCLUSION

There was no sign of endometriosis in these pregnancies, which is important to evaluate when pregnant women have a complication.

[Urodynamics and uterine fibroid. Is there a specific parameter?]

AIM OF STUDY

To search for a urodymamical parameter and/or a VBN parameter (deduced from a modelized analysis of uroflows) which could characterize the voiding dysfunctions due to a uterine fibroid.

POPULATION AND METHODS

Thirty women (31-69 years) with a uterine fibroid (exclusion criteria: neurological disease, diabetes mellitus, previous pelvic surgery, grade > I prolapse) underwent one urodynamic session which included the successive tests: free uroflow, urethral profilometry, cystometry and, if possible, a second free uroflow. Twenty-eight patients complained from stress urinary incontinence. Modelized analysis of the flow curves was performed in order to determine the value of two VBN parameters: urethral parameter g and recruitment ratio rr (which quantify the ratio of firing motor neurons during detrusor contraction).

RESULTS

The fibroid (known for 23 subjects) was detected during gynaecological examination in seven cases. No significant change of the value of one urodynamical parameter which could be linked to the uterine fibroid rather than the urinary disorder has been found. Some urethral constrictive obstruction exists for 18 patients (g = 0.40 +/- 0.15) but is not meaningful. In the whole population, an effective abdominal pressure is found in 78% of the analyzed micturitions.

CONCLUSION

Some urinary disorders result from the presence of a uterine fibroid; they are significantly improved by simple hysterectomy. If urodynamics does not have any specificity, concomitant physical examination allows to detect fibroids with only urinary symptomatology.

Urinary retention during the second trimester of pregnancy: a rare cause

Acute urinary retention during pregnancy is rare. Retention secondary to an impacted, gravid uterus is an emergency. Retroversion of the uterus, a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, and large fibroids are predisposing factors. The enlarging gravid uterus and uterine fibroids may trap the uterus inside the pelvic ring, preventing it from ascending into the abdominal cavity; furthermore, a history of inflammatory disease may trap the fundus of the uterus within scar tissue that also may prevent the enlarging, gravid uterus from ascending into the abdominal cavity. The impacted uterus should be manually replaced in the anterior position. Clean intermittent catheterization and placement of a vaginal pessary are temporizing measures. A knowledge of the causes of urinary retention during pregnancy can help prevent spontaneous abortion and other devastating consequences that can arise as a result of a delay in the diagnosis.

Incarceration of the retroverted gravid uterus: a report of four cases

Four cases of incarceration of the retroverted gravid uterus are described. Typical observations were: a rather low fundal height at vaginal examination, no detectable uterine cervix, and the fetal presenting part deeply impacted in the pelvic cavity. One spontaneous correction in the third trimester is described. In general a cesarean section under general anesthesia is indicated. Preoperative recognition of retroversion is important and may prevent intraoperative complications. Three cases showed micturition problems in the second trimester. All pregnant women with second trimester micturition problems should be examined for a possible retroverted uterus.

Acute urinary retention caused by a unilateral hematometra

We describe a unilateral hematometra with an associated hematosalpinx causing acute retention of urine in a female adolescent. Normal menstruation had occurred from the uterine cavity on the unaffected side. Treatment was by abdominal metroplasty with complete excision of the uterine septum and a terminal cuff salpingostomy. Urological investigation revealed ipsilateral renal agenesis.

Detection of HIV p17 antigen in lymphocytes but not epithelial cells from cervicovaginal secretions of women seropositive for HIV: implications for heterosexual transmission of the virus

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been isolated from cervicovaginal secretions from infected women and is thought to be cell associated. To identify which cells harbour viral antigen, we used monoclonal antibodies to OKT4 and a monoclonal antibody directed against HIV p17 core antigen to perform indirect immunofluorescence assays of genital secretions from 17 HIV seropositive and 17 HIV seronegative women with leucorrhoea. OKT4 positive lymphocytes were detected in all tested samples. HIV p17 antigen was detected in the genital fluid lymphocytes in nine out of 14 seropositive subjects from whom lymphocytes were available. No viral antigen was detected in genital fluid lymphocytes of seronegative subjects, nor in any cervicovaginal epithelial cells. This study shows that lymphocytes are the major source of HIV in cervicovaginal secretions of infected women. Conditions that increase the lymphocyte population in the female genital tract, such as sexually transmitted disease (STD), chronic inflammation of the cervix, and menstruation, may facilitate the transmission of HIV during sexual intercourse.