Abstract
The authors present a case of a 34-year-old woman with twin pregnancy who presented with acute abdomen and haemorrhagic shock due to splenic rupture at 33 weeks and further discuss the difficulties that might ensue when diagnosing acute abdomen is made in a pregnant woman.
The occurrence of an acute abdomen in a pregnant woman is always a cause for concern, given the vast differential diagnosis for the problem and the potentially harmful consequences for both the mother and foetus. Acute abdominal pain during pregnancy can be attributed to either obstetric factors or for reasons unrelated to the pregnancy itself. The diagnostic approach to acute abdomen during pregnancy can be challenging due to the differences in the clinical signs and symptoms associated with anatomical and physiological variations related to pregnancy. Certain radiological investigations should be used with caution to prevent unfavourable effects to the foetus. Postponement diagnosing and managing acute abdominal pain in pregnancy can lead to undesirable maternal and foetal outcomes.
The aim of this report is to review and discuss the various aetiologies, current concepts of diagnosis, and treatment to develop a strategy for timely diagnosis and management of pregnant women presenting with acute abdomen.
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