Managing uterine artery pseudoaneurysm after myomectomy

Post-cesarean section pseudoaneurysm of uterine artery: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is an extraluminal collection of blood caused by damage to the arterial wall which can result from cesarean section, myomectomy, hysterectomy, laparoscopic excision of deep endometriotic lesions, dilation and curettage and uterine cervical conization. Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm may go unnoticed as a possible cause of post-partum hemorrhage.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of 25 years female who presented with 3 episodes of per vaginal bleeding on the 34th postoperative day of cesarean section. Computed tomography angiogram confirmed the aneurysm of the left uterine artery and the artery was embolized for the management of aneurysm. Follow-up scan showed normal blood flow and her symptoms were relieved after the procedure.

DISCUSSION

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm can be diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound which shows intrauterine mass with swirling blood flow. The gold standard investigation is computed tomography angiography. Uterine artery embolization is the recent treatment approach which is both safe and effective.

CONCLUSION

Women who present with postpartum vaginal bleeding should be promptly evaluated for uterine artery pseudoaneurysm. Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm can then be effectively managed through embolization, ensuring timely intervention and improved maternal health outcomes.

Ultrasound Imaging of Acquired Myometrial Pseudoaneurysm: The Role of Manipulators as an Unusual Cause during Laparoscopic Surgery

An acquired uterine artery myometrial pseudoaneurysm can occur due to inflammation, trauma, or iatrogenic causes, such as surgical procedures, and can lead to profuse bleeding. The efficacy of uterine manipulators in gynecological surgery, particularly as a cause of a pseudoaneurysm, has been poorly discussed in the literature. In this paper, we discuss a case of a 39-year-old woman with profuse uterine bleeding that occurred seven days after operative laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. The color Doppler ultrasound better evoked the arterial-like turbulent blood flow inside this cavity. These sonographic features were highly suggestive of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm, presumably related to a secondary trauma caused by the manipulator. The diagnosis was subsequently re-confirmed by angiography, and the patient was treated conservatively with uterine artery embolization. Ultrasound has been shown to be a valuable and safe tool for imaging pseudoaneurysm and guiding subsequent interventional procedures. Accordingly, we briefly review the most suitable manipulators used in benign gynecological surgeries to verify if the different types in use can guide the surgeon towards the correct choice according to surgical needs and thus prevent potentially dangerous trauma.

Diagnosis and treatment of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm: Case series and literature review

BACKGROUND

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening cause of hemorrhage. Nonetheless, its knowledge could be insufficient among obstetricians, gynecologists, and radiologists. We aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of UAP.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed nine female patients diagnosed with UAP at our institute between 2013 and 2020.

RESULTS

Seven cases presented with a history of traumatic surgery including cesarean section, dilation and curettage, laparoscopic myomectomy, and cervical conization. Two cases occurred after spontaneous vaginal delivery and second-trimester pregnancy termination. The main symptom was heavy/massive/prolonged vaginal bleeding. All patients were first evaluated by color Doppler ultrasonography and three cases were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Severn patients underwent transarterial embolization (TAE) of the uterine arteries, and two were managed conservatively. All patients had good outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

UAP can develop after traumatic pelvic operations and non-traumatic delivery/abortion. It may be more common than previously considered. The risk of rupture may be correlated with multiple factors other than the mass size. TAE of the uterine artery could be an effective management strategy for ruptured UAP. However, some cases can resolve spontaneously without TAE, suggesting that conservative management can be employed in some women.

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm after treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Pseudoaneurysms are formed when a local arterial wall ruptures, leading to hemorrhage and hematoma adjacent to the artery. Continuous perfusion of the injured artery increases the pressure in the lumen of the pseudoaneurysm. It may rupture and lead to massive hemorrhage that could be life-threatening. Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is an ectopic pregnancy where the gestational sac is implanted in the cesarean scar. Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) after CSP treatment is rare.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 36-year-old Chinese woman who presented with acute massive vaginal bleeding 53 days after transabdominal scar pregnancy excision. Doppler ultrasound confirmed UAP. Selective uterine artery embolization (UAE) failed because of the thin and curved blood vessels. The lesion decreased in size after transvaginal ultrasound-guided direct thrombin injection (UGTI); however, massive vaginal bleeding recurred and endangered the patient's life. The uterus was removed thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

UAP is a rare complication after CSP treatment that can lead to fatal massive hemorrhage. Ultrasound should be reexamined regularly after treatment of CSP. In case of unexplained vaginal bleeding, we should be alert to the existence of UAP and the possibility of rupture and take effective diagnosis and treatment measures promptly.

Conservative management of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm occurring during treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease: A case report

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) is a rare disease that causes genital bleeding during the postpartum period after cesarean section. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an effective procedure for UAP. UAP was unexpectedly encountered in a patient with gestational trophoblastic disease; however, this patient was conservatively managed without UAE. UAP can occur during treatment for gestational trophoblastic disease. Since asymptomatic UAP may spontaneously disappear, in the selection of conservative treatment, it is important to carefully monitor patients using transvaginal ultrasonography focusing on the size of the UAP and the speed of internal blood flow.

Uterine pseudoaneurysm after abdominal myomectomy: A case report

We present the case of a young woman with abnormal vaginal bleeding two weeks after an abdominal myomectomy. The intervention was initially considered uncomplicated. Transvaginal sonography detected a pulsatile cystic area, just above the endometrium in the anterior wall of the lower uterine segment. Color Doppler analysis revealed the communication between an artery and a vein. Although, the ultrasound was completely sufficient for diagnosis, computed tomographic angiography was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of uterine pseudoanevrysm within the uterine myometrium. Selective arterial embolization was performed with complete recovery.