Arteriovenous malformation in a bicornuate uterus leading to recurrent severe uterine bleeding: a case report

BACKGROUND: Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare entities that have been documented in a wide age range. Several treatment modalities have been highlighted in the literature. Uterine artery embolization appears to be effective therapy for select cases. Embolization provides an alternative to hysterectomy and the potential for future fertility. To our knowledge, only 1 other case report describes an AVM existing within a bicornuate uterus. CASE: A 31-year-old, married, Caucasian woman with a history of infertility presented with intermittent uterine hemorrhage resulting in symptomatic anemia. The patient was diagnosed with a uterine AVM existing within the left horn of a bicornuate uterus. The patient underwent uterine artery embolization, with resolution of the vascular mass and resumption of regular menstrual flow. CONCLUSION: AVM in a bicornuate uterus is rarely reported. Selective uterine artery embolization offers an effective modality of treatment.