Uterine artery embolization during pregnancy

Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2022 Mar 3;35(3):377-378. doi: 10.1080/08998280.2022.2035188. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysms are very rare but serious malformations that can occur during pregnancy or postpartum. It is crucial to identify and treat them due to the morbid consequences associated with rupture. We present a case of a 27-year-old primigravid at 22 weeks 4 days with placenta previa and recent right salpingo-oophorectomy who presented with hematuria and right lower quadrant pain. A left uterine artery pseudoaneurysm was found on computed tomography, which grew from 1.3 to 1.8 cm over 2 days. During therapeutic endovascular embolization, the pseudoaneurysm was identified and the uterine artery was successfully embolized. The fetus was carried to 34 weeks 4 days. There is no medical treatment for pseudoaneurysms and the risk of rupture vs complication of embolization must be weighed on an individual basis. As shown in this case, interventions are generally recommended to prevent harm to both mother and fetus.

Keywords: Pregnancy; pseudoaneurysm; uterine artery embolization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports