Asymptomatic uterine artery pseudoaneurysm after cesarean section

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2010 Apr;36(2):405-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2009.01134.x.

Abstract

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but important complication of cesarean section (CS). If treated inadequately, it may cause profuse life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage. We report an asymptomatic postpartum woman with uterine artery pseudoaneurysm after CS. We also provide a review of published reports of pseudoaneurysm after CS. A 31-year-old Japanese woman underwent CS, in which the uterine incision was extended laterally. Routine postoperative evaluation with vaginal ultrasound on postpartum day 6 revealed a parauterine mass with a maximum diameter of 49 mm with swirling flow. Selective angiography confirmed this mass as a uterine artery pseudoaneurysm. Uterine artery embolization was performed with success. Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm should be listed as a differential diagnosis of pelvic mass after CS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology*
  • Aneurysm, False / surgery
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Uterine Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Uterine Artery / surgery
  • Uterine Artery Embolization