Fibroids Burst: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Introduction

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the uterus, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50. While most fibroids are asymptomatic, in rare cases, they can rupture or burst, leading to a medical emergency. This article explores the phenomenon of burst fibroids, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. According to McCool et al. (2014), fibroids are present in up to 80 percent of women, with the highest prevalence between ages 30 and 50.

Causes of Fibroid Rupture

Fibroid rupture is an extremely rare complication. Several factors can contribute to this event:

• Rapid growth of the fibroid
• Degeneration or necrosis within the fibroid
• Trauma to the abdomen
• Pregnancy-related changes

Shan et al. (2020) reported a case where spontaneous rupture was associated with fibroid degeneration, leading to acute intraperitoneal bleeding.

Symptoms of Burst Fibroids

When a fibroid bursts, it can cause sudden and severe symptoms:

• Acute abdominal pain
• Internal bleeding
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Low blood pressure

Goswami et al. (2021) described a case where a patient presented with an acute abdomen due to a ruptured degenerative fibroid, resulting in 2 liters of pus in the peritoneal cavity.

Diagnosis of Burst Fibroids

Diagnosing a burst fibroid requires prompt medical attention and imaging studies:

• Physical examination
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI (in some cases)

Tan et al. (2014) reported a case where ultrasonography revealed a 12.7 × 8.6 × 8.9-cm sized hyperechoic mass on the posterior wall of the uterus, along with free fluid in the abdomen, indicating a ruptured fibroid.

Treatment Options

Treatment for a burst fibroid typically involves emergency surgical intervention:

1. Emergency laparotomy
2. Control of bleeding
3. Removal of the ruptured fibroid (myomectomy)
4. Hysterectomy (in severe cases or if family planning is complete)

Swarray-Deen et al. (2017) described a case where emergency laparotomy was performed to control massive intra-abdominal hemorrhage from a ruptured subserosal fibroid.

Prevention and Management

While it's not always possible to prevent a fibroid from bursting, certain measures can help manage fibroids and reduce risks:

• Regular gynecological check-ups
• Monitoring of known fibroids
• Hormonal treatments to shrink fibroids
• Uterine artery embolization for high-risk fibroids

O'Sullivan et al. (2017) suggest that women with large or symptomatic fibroids should be referred for specialist care to prevent complications.

Conclusion

While burst fibroids are a rare complication, they represent a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Understanding the risks, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking prompt medical care are crucial for managing this potentially life-threatening condition. If you have known fibroids and experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, it's essential to seek emergency medical attention immediately.