Pregnancy after advanced ovarian cancer with spontaneous uterine rupture in second trimester: A case report and review of the literature

Fertility-preserving surgery (FPS) in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) is extremely rare and consequently, information about the pregnancies of these patients is anecdotal. Therefore, management of the pregnancy after AOC is challenging, especially if an unexpected situation arises. A 31-year-old nulliparous woman was admitted to our tertiary hospital in the 18th week of twin pregnancy with sudden severe abdominal pain. Her medical history included a low-grade AOC stage IIIc diagnosed 2 years before pregnancy and treated by debulking FPS and systemic therapy with carboplatin/paclitaxel and bevacizumab. Clinical examination described normal vital signs and peritoneal irritation without any vaginal discharge. Sonography revealed free fluid in the pouch of Douglas and intact twin pregnancy. Laboratory work showed elevated leukocytes with neutrophilia. To evaluate appendicitis magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen was indicated. This revealed a uterine rupture with the now extra-cavitary position of the twins. Simultaneously, the patient's symptoms deteriorated, and emergency surgery was necessary where hemoperitoneum with avital fetuses were present. Despite excessive blood loss the uterus could be repaired and preserved. Previous resection of the uterine serosa during her debulking FPS, administration of bevacizumab affecting smooth muscles, and overstretching the uterus in the twin pregnancy were considered as possible risk factors for the presenting uterine rupture. Pregnancy after AOC is possible but should be monitored closely, especially due to the hidden long-term consequences of its therapy. In the differential diagnosis of sudden abdominal pain during pregnancy uterine rupture should be considered even in patients with an unscared uterus. We present a case report of a spontaneous uterine rupture in the second trimester in a patient with a history of advanced ovarian cancer and fertility-preserving surgery.