Symptoms of a Degenerating Uterine Fibroid
A degenerating uterine fibroid typically presents with acute pelvic pain, nausea, fever, and leukocytosis, which is known as post-embolization syndrome when occurring after uterine artery embolization treatment. 1
Key Symptoms of Fibroid Degeneration
- Acute pelvic pain - The most common presenting symptom, often severe and of sudden onset 1
- Fever - Part of the flu-like syndrome associated with fibroid degeneration 1
- Nausea - Commonly accompanies the pain and fever 1
- Leukocytosis - Elevated white blood cell count due to inflammatory response 1
Additional Associated Symptoms
- Vaginal expulsion - Particularly with submucosal fibroids that are breaking down 1
- Abdominal bloating - Due to inflammation and swelling 2
- Constipation - From pressure on surrounding structures 2
- Menorrhagia - Heavy menstrual bleeding may worsen during degeneration 2
Severe Complications
- Hemorrhage - In rare cases, a degenerating fibroid may rupture, causing acute intraabdominal hemorrhage requiring emergency intervention 2
- Increasing abdominal distress - Symptoms may rapidly worsen over hours, indicating potential complications 2
Red Degeneration During Pregnancy
- Fibroids may enlarge during pregnancy and undergo red degeneration, causing significant pain 3
- This is a specific type of degeneration that occurs more commonly in pregnant women 3
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Severe, unrelenting abdominal pain 2
- Signs of hypovolemic shock (dizziness, rapid heart rate, hypotension) 2
- Rapid increase in abdominal girth with pain 2
- High fever with severe pelvic pain 1, 2
Diagnostic Considerations
- Symptoms of degenerating fibroids may mimic other acute abdominal conditions 2
- Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan) are typically needed to confirm the diagnosis 3, 2
- Rapid growth of fibroids with pain should raise concern for potential sarcomatous change, though this is rare 3
Recognizing these symptoms promptly is crucial as some cases of fibroid degeneration, particularly those involving rupture, may require emergency surgical intervention to prevent serious morbidity or mortality 2.