ABSTRACT
IMPORTANCE: Spontaneous renal rupture is a rare pregnancy complication, which requires a high index of suspicion for a timely diagnosis to prevent a poor maternal or fetal outcome. OBJECTIVE: This review highlights risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and complications of spontaneous renal rupture in pregnancy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was carried out by research librarians using the PubMed and Web of Science search engines at 2 universities. Fifty cases of spontaneous renal rupture in pregnancy were identified and are the basis of this review. RESULTS: The first case of spontaneous renal rupture in pregnancy was reported in 1947. Rupture occurs more commonly on the right side and during the third trimester. Pain was a reported symptom in every case reviewed. Treatment usually consists of stent or nephrostomy tube placement. Conservative management has been reported. CONCLUSIONS: When diagnosed early and managed appropriately, maternal and fetal outcomes are favorable. Preterm delivery is the most common complication. RELEVANCE: Our aim is to increase the awareness of spontaneous renal rupture in pregnancy and its associated complications in order to improve an accurate diagnosis and maternal and fetal outcomes.
