Placental laceration and fetal death as a result of blunt abdominal trauma.

Placental laceration as a result of blunt maternal trauma has rarely been reported. Herein, we report a case of a 17-year-old, 37-week-pregnant woman who presented after a motor vehicle accident. Initial examination showed no fetal heart sounds or movements. Evaluation included enhanced CT scan of the abdomen. Laparotomy and Caesarian section were precipitated by the development of a coagulopathy, at which time the uterus was found to be filled with blood. Although there were no signs of external uterine injury, examination of the placenta showed a large radial laceration. The fetus had no signs of direct trauma.