Torsion of the gravid uterus: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Uterine torsion is defined as a rotation of more than 45 degrees along the long axis of the uterus. It is a very rare condition but could be life threatening. The non-specific clinical course and rarity of this condition makes the preoperative diagnosis difficult and raises critical management issues. Obstetricians should have this complication in mind when performing a caesarean section on a woman with abnormal presentation of the fetus, adhesions, uterine myoma, uterine abnormality or ovarian tumour. We describe a case of uterine levorotation of 180 degrees at term. Delivery was by Caeserean section and deliberate posterior hysterotomy. There was a satisfactory outcome for both mother and baby.

Key words: Torsion, Gravid.