Background: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an effective and accepted management option for symptomatic uterine fibroids. This case report presents a complication following UAE and is followed by a review outlining the need to monitor quality of care for women who undergo this procedure.
Case: A 37-year-old woman presented with fever and general malaise refractory to medical treatment 16 days after UAE was performed to treat a symptomatic fibroid. At hysterectomy, 20 days after UAE, a 10 cm necrotic and infected submucosal fibroid with cervicitis was identified.
Conclusion: Complications of UAE for treatment of fibroids will be minimized if patients are selected appropriately, if the procedure is performed correctly, and if outcomes, efficacy, and complication rates are monitored.