Late-onset postpartum hemorrhage from placental bed subinvolution: a case report

BACKGROUND: Placental bed subinvolution is an underestimated cause of severe, late-onset postpartum hemorrhage. CASE: A case of placental bed subinvolution caused abnormal uterine bleeding in the late postpartum period. Because of difficulties in establishing the diagnosis, massive, intractable and life-threatening uterine hemorrhage occurred, leading to hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Early recognition of placental bed subinvolution allows the use of treatment options capable of preserving the uterus and subsequent fertility.