ISSN: 2167-0420
Mariam Mahtate1*, Aziz Slaoui², Soukaina Cherradi1, Najia Zeraidi1, Brahim Rhrab1, Amina Lakhdar1, Aziz Baydada1.
Background: Vasa praevia is an uncommon but very serious condition that is characterized by the presence of vessels belonging to the fetal circulation in the amniotic membranes surrounding the internal cervical os below the fetal presenting part. These vessels are at risk of rupture in active labor, or when the membranes spontaneously or artificially rupture, which can result in an acute fetal exsanguination and death. The prenatal diagnosis is thus of paramount importance, allowing a prophylactic cesarean section and therefore avoids severe Benckiser’s hemorrhage responsible for very high neonatal mortality. Case report: We hereby report an uncommon case of 36-year-old patient who presented to the emergency department for spontaneous rupture of the membranes and painless vaginal bleeding at a gestational age of 35 weeks. The transvaginal ultrasonography in combination with color Doppler revealed membranous fetal blood vessels crossing the internal cervical os which was indicative of vasa previa. The patient underwent an emergency cesarean section, giving birth to an anemic female newborn that required immediate resuscitation, including intubation and blood transfusions. Conclusion: Even if vasa previa is considered to be a rather rare condition observed in obstetric practice, it seriously threatens the life of the fetus and requires prompt management.