Spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage during pregnancy: a review of the literature and a case report of successful conservative management

Abstract

Spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage is an acute hemorrhage of the adrenal gland that occurs in the absence of trauma or anticoagulant therapy. The incidence of this condition in pregnancy is unknown. We describe a patient with spontaneous unilateral adrenal hemorrhage that occurred during the third trimester of pregnancy. She was successfully managed conservatively with complete resolution of symptoms and had an uncomplicated perinatal outcome. We review the literature on spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage, including clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, and management of spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage, to help other practitioners to recognize and appropriately treat this rare condition.