Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Non-obstetric Hemorrhage: A Critical Diagnostic Tool
Postpartum hemorrhage remains a significant contributor to maternal mortality worldwide. While obstetric causes are more common, non-obstetric intra-abdominal hemorrhage is a rare yet potentially life-threatening condition. We present a clinical case of a 35-year-old pregnant woman who underwent an elective cesarean section that subsequently developed hypovolemic shock at the post-anesthetic care unit, due to non-obstetric intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Point-of-care ultrasound proved to be an essential diagnostic tool for identifying free intra-abdominal fluid, emphasizing its importance in early hemorrhage recognition. A multidisciplinary approach involving anesthesiology, obstetrics, and surgery was crucial in resuscitating and stabilizing the patient. Early recognition and intervention are essential in managing non-obstetric postpartum hemorrhage and minimizing associated morbidity and mortality.
Authors
- Joana Brandão (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8846-3178)
- Elena Segura‐Grau (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4854-8361)
- C. Batista (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6638-0910)
- Rúben Calaia
Institutions
- Administração Regional de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (PT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cureus
- Published
- 2025-10-18
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.94860
- Primary Topic
- Maternal and fetal healthcare
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00