A Death Due to Subinvolution of the Uteroplacental Arteries

• Published in: Journal of forensic sciences Vol. 56; no. 3; pp. 803 - 805
• Main Authors: Farley, Norma J., Kohlmeier, Ruth E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2011; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Cesarean Section; Cicatrix - microbiology; Dilatation, Pathologic; Fatal Outcome; Female; Forensic Pathology; forensic science; Forensic sciences; Hemorrhage; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Myometrium - blood supply; Placenta - blood supply; postpartum hemorrhage; Postpartum Hemorrhage - pathology; Pregnancy; Staphylococcal Infections - diagnosis; Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus infections; Streptococcal Infections - diagnosis; Streptococcus agalactiae; subinvolution; Thrombosis - pathology; Transplants & implants; Trophoblasts - pathology; Uterine Artery - pathology; uteroplacental arteries; Veins & arteries; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0022-1198; 1556-4029
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01726.x

:  A 19‐year‐old G1P0 Caucasian woman died 8 days postpartum because of the subinvolution of the uteroplacental arteries. Microscopic examination of the placental implantation site revealed large, dilated spiral arteries containing partially occluding thrombi in the superficial myometrium. The presence of cytotrophoblasts within and surrounding the spiral arteries was confirmed by low molecular weight cytokeratin immunohistochemistry. Infection of the Cesarean section incision site was demonstrated by the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae Group B in the wound as well as the intrauterine blood clot. Although subinvolution of the placental site may be a cause of delayed postpartum hemorrhage and significant morbidity, the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism is unknown.