Intrauterine fetal death caused by seatbelt injury

Abstract

Objective: Severe motor vehicle accidents involving pregnant women can result in fetal and neonatal death. We describe a case in which fetal death occurred due to relatively mild seatbelt injuries and present the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the placenta.

Case report: A 26-year-old primigravid woman at 20 weeks gestation was involved in an automobile accident. Although she suffered only a seatbelt injury, fetal death subsequently occurred. Contrast-enhanced MRI showed the region compressed by the seatbelt as a low-intensity band without enhancement, and serum alpha-fetoprotein and hemoglobin F levels were elevated.

Conclusion: Careful monitoring, including blood and abdominal examinations, should be performed when pregnant women suffer seatbelt injuries.

Keywords: Abruptio placentae; Alpha-fetoproteins; Fetal hemoglobin; Fetomaternal transfusion; Wounds and injuries.