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Case Report
Uterine rupture after gunshot wound with protrusion of intact amniotic sac and fetal long bones
1 Medical Student, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
2 MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
Address correspondence to:
Michelle Larzelere
MD, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608,
USA
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Article ID: 100239Z08SZ2026
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Zettler S, Larzelere M. Uterine rupture after gunshot wound with protrusion of intact amniotic sac and fetal long bones. J Case Rep Images Obstet Gynecol 2026;12(2):25–27.ABSTRACT
Introduction: Intrapartum gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the abdomen or pelvis can cause significant injury and mortality to pregnant persons and their fetuses. Rapid imaging and emergency laparotomy are often necessary for diagnosis and treatment.
Case Report: A 14-year-old G0P0 patient at 18 weeks gestation presented status post GSW with imaging concerning for a ballistic-induced uterine rupture with fetal demise and hemoperitoneum. At the time of exploratory laparotomy, 500 cc of hemoperitoneum was noted with fetal long bones penetrating through a 5 cm rupture in the uterine wall. The amniotic sac remained intact. An en caul delivery of the fetus was performed as well as uterine curettage. Ballistic injury was noted to the left Fallopian tube and omentum. No other intra-abdominal injuries were noted. Postoperatively, the patient experienced no surgical complications and was discharged on postoperative day 10.
Conclusion: This case highlights a unique complication of an intrapartum GSW leading to uterine rupture and fetal demise at 18 weeks.
Keywords: Hemoperitoneum, Intrapartum gunshot wound, Pregnancy, Uterine trauma
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Author Contributions
Savannah Zettler - Substantial contributions to conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Michelle Larzelere - Substantial contributions to conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Guaranter of SubmissionThe corresponding author is the guarantor of submission.
Source of SupportNone
Consent StatementWritten consent was unable to be obtained from the patient but identifying information was not included in this report.
Data AvailabilityAll relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.
Conflict of InterestAuthors declare no conflict of interest.
Copyright© 2026 Savannah Zettler et al. This article is distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium provided the original author(s) and original publisher are properly credited. Please see the copyright policy on the journal website for more information.
