Pregnancy after medical management of a uterine arteriovenous malformation. A case report

BACKGROUND: The natural history of conservatively managed uterine arteriovenous malformations is largely unknown, and the risks associated with subsequent pregnancy and vaginal delivery have not been established. CASE: A multiparous woman with a previously reported history of uterine arteriovenous malformation was monitored throughout pregnancy and vaginal delivery. Serial ultrasound studies were performed prior to a successful induction of labor for severe preeclampsia at 34 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of pregnancy and vaginal delivery in a woman with a prior history of a medically managed uterine arteriovenous malformation. Noninvasive treatment of uterine arteriovenous malformations is rare, and the potential long-term risks of this approach, including pregnancy, remain uncertain.     

Treating a recurrent uterine arteriovenous malformation with uterine artery embolization. A case report

BACKGROUND: Uterine arteriovenous malformation is a rare condition. Uterine artery embolization offers the possibility of conservative management as opposed to the traditional hysterectomy. We report a case with recurrent uterine arteriovenous malformation confirmed by angiography and successfully treated with a second embolization procedure. CASE: A 33-year-old woman presented with heavy vaginal bleeding. The diagnosis of uterine arteriovenous malformation was suspected on Doppler ultrasonography and confirmed by angiography. The first embolization procedure was performed using polyvinyl alcohol and steel coils. Recurrence was diagnosed 1 year later with the same imaging techniques. The second embolization procedure was performed using histoacryl. The patient remained asymptomatic at 1-year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive management is an option in recurrent uterine arteriovenous malformation.     

Uterine arteriovenous malformation. A rare cause of recurrent metrorrhagia

Uterine arteriovenous malformation is a rare condition. We report a case with acquired arteriovenous malformation arising from the left uterine artery. She was diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound and treated with a selective uterine artery embolization.     

Successful medical treatment with danazol after failed embolization of uterine arteriovenous malformation

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter arterial embolization has been the therapy of choice for uterine arteriovenous malformations, whereas medical therapy has not been popular because of patient propensity to bleed. CASE: A 29-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 0, was diagnosed with uterine arteriovenous malformation. Because initial treatment with uterine artery embolization was unsuccessful, she was ultimately treated with danazol. Resolution of the lesion after 2 weeks of danazol therapy was observed. As of follow-up at 16 months, she has remained free from further abnormal bleeding episodes and recurrence of the lesion. CONCLUSION: Danazol has the potential for medical management of uterine arteriovenous malformations in hemodynamically stable patients who do not respond to embolization.     

Fístulas arteriovenosas uterinas tras legrado. Manejo histeroscópico

Uterine arteriovenous malformations are uncommon entities that may lead to life-threatening genital bleeding. These malformations can be congenital or acquired. In this article, we review uterine arteriovenous malformations occurring after curettage, their incidence, and their hysteroscopic management. To our knowledge, the distinct therapeutic options are limited to expectant management with or without methylergometrine maleate, embolization and hysterectomy, without considering hysteroscopy. We believe that hysteroscopic management could be a new treatment option for uterine arteriovenous malformation occurring after curettage.     

A new fertility-preserving treatment modality for life-threatening bleeding caused by acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM): Combination laparoscopic ligation of uterine arteries and AVM suture

ObjectiveSymptomatic Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can result in sudden and massive vaginal bleeding that can be life-threatening. We report a new fertility-preserving treatment modality for disastrous bleeding caused by acquired uterine AVM: Combination laparoscopic ligation of uterine arteries and AVM suture.Case reportA 39-year-old female received Dilatation and Curettage due to missed abortion. However, she experienced heavy vaginal bleeding after surgery. Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasonography, hysteroscopy, and angiography. She was successfully treated using laparoscopy bilateral uterine arteries ligation followed by application of uterine AVM suture with absorbable barbed wound closure device. After the laparoscopic surgery, vaginal bleeding stopped immediately. Complete regression of the AVM lesion on sonography was noted 8 months after laparoscopic surgery. Besides, this patient had normal menstruation after the operation.ConclusionThis case report describes for the first time a successful combination of bilateral uterine artery ligation and AVM suture to treat a patient with uterine arteriovenous malformation. We demonstrated the efficacy and safety of this fertility preserving method.     

Three-dimensional CT Angiography Is Useful for Diagnosis of Postabortion Uterine Hemorrhage: 3 Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Uterine hemorrhage is a major complication associated with abortion. There are various causes of postabortion uterine hemorrhage. The objective of this article is to estimate the efficacy of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) angiography in the diagnosis of this condition. We present 3 case reports of women with massive genital bleeding after abortion. 3D-CT angiography clearly demonstrated the 3-D features of the feeding artery, the draining vein, and the surrounding normal structures. The diagnosis in patient 1 was a uterine arteriovenous malformation, in patient 2 was a placental polyp mimicking a uterine arteriovenous malformation, and in patient 3 was a placental polyp. Patients were all successfully treated with uterine artery embolization or transcervical resection of the placental polyp. We conclude that 3D-CT angiography is useful for making a differential diagnosis and for preoperative planning in patients with postabortion uterine hemorrhage.     

Arteriovenous malformation after uterine curettage: a report of 3 cases

BACKGROUND: Acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation is a rare but potentially life threatening condition and, as such, must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cases of abrupt, profuse vaginal bleeding following uterine curettage. The condition can easily be confused with retained products of conception and gestational trophoblastic disease. CASES: One case was managed surgically, while 2 others were treated with selective embolization. CONCLUSION: A positive medical history, the clinical presentation and features for the the ultrasonic appearance are the main features for the correct differential diagnosis and treatment of traumatic arteriovenous malformation resulting from uterine curettage.     

Successful Laparoscopic Bipolar Coagulation of a Large Arteriovenous Malformation Due to Invasive Trophoblastic Disease: a Case Report

We report the case of an acquired large arteriovenous malformation due to invasive gestational trophoblastic tumor that was treated successfully with laparoscopic surgery. After 4 cycles of methotrexate chemotherapy, a vascular tangle (volume, 28 cm³) was noted that emerged from the right uterine horn, invading the broad ligament adjacent to the uterine artery. Doppler ultrasonography along with magnetic resonance arteriography confirmed the diagnosis. The location, size and relation of this arteriovenous malformation to the uterine vasculature demanded urgent intervention. Laparoscopy was performed, and bipolar coagulation of the ovarian and uterine artery feeding branches was achieved after surgical resection of the tumor. The defect in the uterine wall with an intact uterine cavity was reconstructed using sutures. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The patient underwent chemotherapy, and at 2-month follow-up was cured and has since had regular menstrual cycles.     

A syndromal and an isolated form of uterine arteriovenous malformations: two case-reports.

Uterine arteriovenous malformations are rare lesions with a considerable risk potential. Clinical presentation varies from no signs over various degrees of menorrhagia to massive life threatening vaginal bleeding. This is the first report of congenital uterine arteriovenous malformations in two patients with primary infertility. In one case, the uterine lesions were found in conjunction with other congenital malformations suggesting the diagnosis of hemihyperplasia/lipomatosis syndrome. Etiology, symptoms, diagnostic and therapeutic work-up are discussed; pathological findings are illustrated.     

Embolization of uterine arteriovenous malformation for treatment of menorrhagia

Background  Uterine arteriovenous malformations are rare but potentially life-threatening conditions that should be suspected in unexplained severe vaginal bleeding. Case  A 28-year-old gravida 7, para 3 presented to the emergency department with heavy vaginal bleeding and passage of blood clots. In the emergency room, her hemoglobin dropped from 11.2 to 7.4 gm%. Transvaginal ultrasonographic scan showed a large vascular mass in the uterus measuring 2.6 cm in diameter with low resistance of flow within, concerning for arteriovenous malformation or an arteriovenous fistula. Digital subtraction arteriography confirmed the lesion. She underwent angiography and bilateral uterine artery embolization. Conclusion  The diagnosis of uterine arteriovenous malformation requires a high index of suspicion in the scenario of unexplained severe vaginal bleeding. Digital subtraction angiography is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis and allows immediate treatment by embolization.     

Medical Treatment of a Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation

EDITORIAL COMMENT: A certain degree of scepticism in medicine is to be encouraged if for no other reason than to promote thought about aetiology and different methods of treatment. We have published 3 previous case reports in our journal on the successful management of so called arteriovenous malformations of the uterus (A, B, C). Since the new technology has become available that allows precise diagnosis of arteriovenous fistulas there have been numerous case reports on such lesions in the uterus in the gynaecological literature. One wonders what happened to these patients previously. Surely many must have had curettage performed for menorrhagia and yet how often was it necessary to perform hysterectomy for uncontrollable uterine haemorrhage after such a procedure? The only patient the editor can remember treating who required an emergency hysterectomy for torrential haemorrhage following curettage was a 17-year-old woman with an unsuspected choriocarcinoma, who had a preoperative diagnosis of incomplete abortion (D). From the point of view of aetiology, surely these lesions should be called arteriovenous fistulas rather than malformations because the patients often have had previous uterine surgery or complications that could have been causal. We accepted this case for publication because it suggests that trial of hormone therapy is a reasonable method of treatment in patients with uterine arteriovenous fistulas who have not got intractable haemorrhage and who wish to preserve their uterus.     

Uterine arteriovenous malformations: a review of the current literature

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. AVMs often present with intractable bleeding and commonly are seen in association with pregnancy and uterine trauma. Ultrasound is the most common form of initial investigation, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are being used with greater frequency. Despite this, angiography remains the gold standard for diagnostic evaluation. Embolization has become a more acceptable form of treatment and allows more invasive forms of treatment, particularly hysterectomy, to be avoided. Numerous medical therapies have also been used in the management of patients with uterine AVM. Reports of successful pregnancies after diagnosis and treatment of a uterine AVM are still uncommon, but increasingly good outcomes are being reported after successful treatment of a confirmed uterine AVM. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to describe the many and varied clinical manifestations of a uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM), summarize the best ways to manage an acute hemorrhage from an AVM, and identify the current best way to diagnose an AVM.     

Embolization of a uterine arteriovenous malformation followed by a twin pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Uterine arteriovenous malformation is a lesion that can cause recurrent pregnancy loss. Very few successful pregnancies have been reported after selective embolization of an arteriovenous malformation. CASE: A 42-year-old gravida 6 para 0 with a history of four first-trimester spontaneous abortions was found to have a uterine arteriovenous malformation by hysterosalpingogram, which was confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography. She underwent selective transcatheter embolization of the arteriovenous malformation. A twin gestation was later conceived via in vitro fertilization. The twins were delivered by cesarean at term. CONCLUSION: Uterine arteriovenous malformation can be successfully treated with selective embolization, with good obstetric outcome.     

Uterine arteriovenous malformation

Introduction Uterine arteriovenous malformations are very rare and potentially life-threatening. They can present with menorrhagia, postpartum bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, an asymptomatic mass, or congestive heart failure.Case report We present a 37-year-old woman with massive uterine bleeding that started abruptly 3 weeks after D and C and was found to be due to arteriovenous malformations.     

Successful term pregnancy after selective embolization of a large postmolar uterine arteriovenous malformation

Abstract.   Tsai C-C, Cheng Y-F, Changchien C-C, Lin H. Successful term pregnancy after selective embolization of a large postmolar uterine arteriovenous malformation. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2006; 16(Suppl. 1): 339–341.
Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are very uncommon disorders. Successful conservative treatment with subsequently conceived is rarely reported. We describe a 31-year-old woman with a complex and large postmolar AVM; she was successfully treated with transarterial selective embolization for a long history of repeated excessive vaginal bleeding and anemia. She resumed normal menstrual periods soon after treatment, and she subsequently conceived about 2 years later. A healthy male baby was delivered at 39 weeks of gestation via vaginal route. Selective embolization of a complex and large uterine AVM seems to be feasible for the treatment of uterine bleeding and preservation of reproductive capability.     

Laparoscopic Management of Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation Via Occlusion of Internal Iliac Arteries

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can be congenital or acquired. When acquired (e.g., fistula), it results from abnormal arteriovenous communication between one or more uterine arteries and a myometrial and/or endometrial venous plexus, without the interposition of a vascular nidus. Arteriovenous malformation is composed of a tortuous net of fragile low-resistant arteriovenous shunts. Other arteries can be involved in fistulas, including ovarian arteries or those from the round ligaments of the uterus, in particular in congenital AVMs, which develop from failure in embryologic differentiation that leads to multiple abnormal vascular connections. In these cases, extension to pelvic vessels other than uterine arteries is frequent. Acquired AVMs often result in trauma to the uterus such as dilation and curettage in 85% of cases, gestational trophoblastic disease, or endometrial carcinoma.     

Uterine arteriovenous fistula. A case report

Arteriovenous malformation of the uterus is rare. It is potentially lethal because profuse, uncontrollable bleeding may occur with diagnostic dilatation and curettage. Several cases of localized uterine arteriovenous malformation have been reported on. The condition should be considered during routine vaginal examination with pulsation and thrill in the vaginal fornices, even if there is a normal menstrual history, as in our patient. In our patient, pathologic examination of the uterus demonstrated for the first time an extensive, diffuse, tortuous arteriovenous anastomosis extending from the upper uterine segment down to the stroma of the exocervix. In such cases a thorough clinical and (if indicated) radiologic evaluation should be done before curettage, or even cone biopsy, to avoid possible massive hemorrhage.     

Pregnancy after transcatheter embolization of a uterine arteriovenous malformation

A 25-year-old woman with a congenital uterine arteriovenous malformation had a long history of repeated excessive vaginal bleeding. She was successfully treated with transarterial embolization. She had normal menstrual periods for 6 months and subsequently conceived. She was delivered of a normally grown baby at 35 weeks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third pregnancy described after successful embolization of an arteriovenous malformation.     

子宫动静脉瘘致阴道大出血的临床分析

目的探讨子宫动静脉瘘致阴道大出血患者的临床特点、诊断与治疗方法以及预后。方法对我院1990年8月至2003年5月收治的15例子宫动静脉瘘患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果本组患者都以异常阴道大量出血就诊,15例均合并剖宫产分娩史、多次刮宫史或妇科恶性肿瘤病史。彩色B超及选择性子宫动脉造影通常可以明确诊断。诊断性刮宫并不能起到有效治疗作用,反而会加重出血。15例患者中,14例接受子宫动脉栓塞术,其中11例(79％)栓塞治疗成功,栓塞术后无并发症发生。保守治疗成功的患者术后均能恢复正常月经,并有5例成功妊娠。结论子宫动静脉瘘是导致阴道大出血的少见却严重的原因之一,子宫动脉栓塞术是治疗子宫动静脉瘘出血有效的保守治疗方法,栓塞术后患者的子宫及卵巢功能并不受影响。