Torsion of the Uterus 



701 



profound, according to the degree of obstruction. Moderate ob- 

 struction to the circulation tends to cause congestion of the 

 uterine walls and placenta, accompanied b}' pain and sj^mptoms of 

 colic, with possibly more or less evident expulsive efforts. This 

 obstruction, affecting first the venous circulation, tends to cause 

 asphyxiation of the fetus. As a result of this disturbance of the 

 circulation, the fetus may show more or less violent movements, 

 which may sometimes be misinterpreted and believed to be the 

 cause of the displacement, whereas in fact they are the result of 

 it. The disturbance in the circulation and the non-seration of the 

 blood of the fetus tend finally to bring about its death, and this 

 usually occurs after a comparatively short time if the torsion is 

 at all extreme. 



The interference with the circulation affects first the return of 

 the venous blood from the placenta, and as a consequence there 

 is a constant tendency to an extensive transudation of serum 

 and blood, into the uterine cavitv and the fetal membranes. 



V_ 



uc 



Fig. 118. Sagitt.\i. Section ok Fig. 117. 

 OE, Os uteri externum. OI, Os uteri internum. 

 BL, BL, Broad ligament. 



V, V, V, Veins distended with coagulated blood. 

 U, Uterus. U, C, Ulerine comu. 



