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Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
Medknow Publications on behalf of Indian Journal of Medical Sciences Trust
ISSN: 0019-5359 EISSN: 1998-3654
Vol. 62, Num. 7, 2008, pp. 294-295

Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, Vol. 62, No. 7, July, 2008, pp. 294-295

Letter To Editor

Conservative management of placenta invading into leiomyoma

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi
Correspondence Address:179, Type 3 Quarters, Ayurvigyan Nagar, Near Ansal Plaza, New Delhi
drkrishna_agarwal@yahoo.com

Code Number: ms08053

Sir,

Leiomyoma uteri with pregnancy may lead to spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, obstructed labor, or malpresentation. [1] We report an unusual case of leiomyoma with pregnancy, resulting in preterm delivery, followed by retained placenta which was invading into the leiomyoma. Placenta was left inside and treated successfully with methotrexate.

A 25-year-old primigravida with 25-week pregnancy presented with complaints of pain abdomen off and on for 1 month and leaking per vaginum. Obstetrical examination revealed a 32-week size uterus. The fetal parts were felt in the upper part of uterus, and a hard mass (13x10 cm) was found arising from the outer surface of lower uterine segment. The cervix was 5 to 6 cm dilated; the membranes were absent; and fibroid was felt arising from lower uterine segment, which was projecting into the uterine cavity. The presenting part was high up and not felt because of the fibroid. Ultrasonography revealed a 23-week single live fetus, reduced liquor; and a heterogeneous mass (117x85 mm) suggestive of fibroid anteriorly in uterus, extending in the lower segment. She delivered a fresh stillborn baby weighing 750 g. The placenta did not separate; therefore, manual removal of placenta was attempted. However, it was found to be embedded into the fibroid without any plane of cleavage. Since the patient was not bleeding, the decision to leave the placenta inside was taken in consultation with her family, and the cord was cut as high as possible. The MRI scan on the 15 th postpartum day revealed enlarged uterus with well-marginated heterogeneous mass (12.3x10.5x12 cm) without any interface with the endometrial stripe in posterior-inferior part and with thinning of anterior myometrium [Figure - 1]. The patient had profuse vaginal discharge mixed with bits of tissue and membranes, histology of which revealed autolyzed tissue. Methotrexate was given in a dose of 50 mg intramuscularly on 7, 14 and 21 postpartum days. On the 21 st postpartum day, the patient passed fleshy mass, which histopathologically revealed autolysed fibroid with decidual tissue. The patient had fever off and on till the 37 th postpartum day; thereafter, she remained afebrile and was discharged on the 53 rd day. No mass was palpable per abdomen at the 6-week follow-up, and the patient resumed normal menstrual period.

Cases have been reported where placenta was retained due to myoma requiring manual removal. [2] Also, cases of placenta accrete where placenta was left inside and the patient managed with injection methotrexate have been reported. [3]

Here, we have reported a case where manual removal of placenta failed because placenta happened to invade into the myoma. The placenta was left inside, and the patient was given 3 doses of injection methotrexate. No such case has been reported in the literature. Advantage of placenta being left inside is preventing heavy postpartum hemorrhage. Possible disadvantage of this approach is risk of sepsis.

References

1.Buttram VC Jr, Reiter RC. Uterine leiomyomata: Etiology, symptomatology and management. Fertil Steril 1981;36:433-45.   Back to cited text no. 1    
2.Gleeson NC, Onwude JL. Uterine leiomyoma causing retained placenta. Br J Clin Pract 1990;44:689-90.   Back to cited text no. 2    
3.Nijman RG, Mantingh A, Aarnoudse JG. Persistent retained placenta percreta: Methotrexate treatment and Doppler flow characteristics. BJOG 2002;109:587-8.  Back to cited text no. 3    

Copyright 2008 - Indian Journal of Medical Sciences


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