A Case of Incarceration of the Gravid Uterus & the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes with Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Incarceration of the gravid uterus (IGU) poses significant risk for maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy. Several risk factors have been implicated in the development of an incarceration of the gravid uterus; however, the association between IGU and the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) has not been reported. Case: A 28-year-old female at 24 weeks gestational age presented with concern for preterm labor. IGU was diagnosed and she underwent surgical reduction of the incarceration via midline laparotomy. She experienced a recurrent IGU with her second pregnancy and was ultimately diagnosed with EDS. Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to determine if the occurrence of IGU should warrant testing for EDS or if EDS serves as an independent risk factor for IGU.