Cesarean section scar as a cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding: diagnosis by sonohysterography

Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, 18(1), 13-18

DOI 10.7863/jum.1999.18.1.13 PMID 9952074 Source

Abstract

A previously undescribed cause of abnormal uterine bleeding is presented. Nine of 310 women evaluated by sonohysterography for abnormal bleeding demonstrated an 8 to 17 mm gap in the anterior lower uterine segment myometrium at the site of prior cesarean deliveries. All women were premenopausal and had a history of 2 to 12 days of postmenstrual spotting. Presumably a lack of coordinated muscular contractions occurs around the cesarean scar, allowing the defect to collect menstrual debris. Subsequently, the debris leaches out through the cervix for several days after the majority of menstrual flow has ceased.

Topics

cesarean scar defect bleeding, postmenstrual spotting after c-section, sonohysterography diagnosis uterine bleeding, cesarean section scar niche, isthmocele abnormal bleeding, lower uterine segment defect, post-cesarean bleeding disorder, saline infusion sonography uterine scar, menstrual debris in cesarean scar, prolonged bleeding after cesarean delivery, ultrasound cesarean scar complications, anterior uterine wall defect diagnosis

Cite this article

Thurmond, A. S., Harvey, W. J., & Smith, S. A. (1999). Cesarean section scar as a cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding: diagnosis by sonohysterography. *Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine*, *18*(1), 13-6; quiz 17-8. https://doi.org/10.7863/jum.1999.18.1.13

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