Corpus Luteum Rupture 

  • Author: Charles J Ascher-Walsh, MD; Chief Editor: Richard Scott Lucidi, MD   more...
 
Updated: Aug 19, 2011
 

Background

Ruptured corpus luteum is a common phenomenon with presentation ranging from no symptoms to symptoms mimicking an acute abdomen.[1] Sequelae vary. Resolution may be spontaneous (most often); intraperitoneal hemorrhage and death may occur.[2] Although most patients require only observation, some need laparoscopy or laparotomy to achieve hemostasis.

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Pathophysiology

Each month, a mature ovarian follicle ruptures, releasing an ovum so the process of fertilization can begin. Occasionally, this rupture site may bleed, causing abdominal pain and signs of hemorrhage. The etiology of this increased bleeding is unknown, although abdominal trauma and anticoagulation treatments may increase the risk.

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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

Occurrence is unknown but is likely quite frequent and without symptoms.

International

Occurrence is unknown but is likely quite frequent and without symptoms.

Mortality/Morbidity

Although circulatory collapse, hemorrhagic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and death have been reported, these are rare. Most cases are self-limiting, with abdominal pain relieved with analgesics.

Race

No differences in frequency are reported by race or socioeconomic standing.

Sex

Ruptured corpus luteum occurs only in females.

Age

The condition most commonly occurs in women aged 18-35 years (peak reproductive years).

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Proceed to Clinical Presentation
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Charles J Ascher-Walsh, MD  Director of Gynecology, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Mt Sinai School of Medicine; Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mt Sinai Medical Center

Charles J Ascher-Walsh, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, and Medical Society of the State of New York

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Richard S Legro, MD  Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Milton S Hershey Medical Center

Richard S Legro, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Endocrine Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society of Reproductive Surgeons

Disclosure: Korea National Institute of Health and National Institute of Health (Bethesda, MD) Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Greater Toronto Area Reproductive Medicine Society (Toronto, ON, CA) Honoraria Speaking and teaching; American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (Washington, DC) Honoraria Speaking and teaching; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Research Think Tank Panel (Bethesda, MD) Honoraria Speaking and teaching; University of Illinois (Chicago, IL) Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Georgetown University Hospital (Washington, DC) Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Heilongjiang University (Harbin, China) Speaking and teaching; New England Fertility Society (Nashua, NJ) Honoraria Speaking and teaching; William Beaumont Hospital Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (Detroit, MI) Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Wayne State University School of Medicine (Detroit MI) Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Frederick B Gaupp, MD  Consulting Staff, Department of Family Practice, Hancock Medical Center

Frederick B Gaupp, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Richard Scott Lucidi, MD  Associate Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Richard Scott Lucidi, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and American Society for Reproductive Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

  1. Sivanesaratnam V, Singh A, Rachagan SP. Intraperitoneal haemorrhage from a ruptured corpus luteum. A cause of "acute abdomen" in women. Med J Aust. Apr 14 1986;144(8):411, 413-4. [Medline].

  2. Muller CH, Zimmermann K, Bettex HJ. Near-fatal intra-abdominal bleeding from a ruptured follicle during thrombolytic therapy. Lancet. Jun 15 1996;347(9016):1697. [Medline].

  3. Tang LC, Cho HK, Chan SY. Dextropreponderance of corpus luteum rupture. A clinical study. J Reprod Med. Oct 1985;30(10):764-8. [Medline].

  4. Raziel A, Ron-El R, Pansky M. Current management of ruptured corpus luteum. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. Jun 1993;50(1):77-81. [Medline].

 
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