Uterine artery embolization using gelatin sponge particles performed due to massive vaginal bleeding caused by ectopic pregnancy within a cesarean scar: a case study

Ginekol Pol. 2013 Nov;84(11):966-9. doi: 10.17772/gp/1668.

Abstract

A pregnancy located within a cesarean scar is the rarest form of ectopic pregnancy. We present a case of a 34-year-old woman with a history of one cesarean section (gravida 2, para 1) admitted to the hospital at 9 weeks of gestation due to vaginal bleeding, initially diagnosed as a missed abortion. During the hospitalization spontaneous abortion took place, and the patient was qualified for dilatation and curettage. After the procedure massive vaginal bleeding occurred, a cesarean scar pregnancy was diagnosed, and uterine artery embolization (UAE) using gelatin sponge particles was performed. The treatment was successful. Our case shows that UAE might be a life-saving procedure in cesarean scar pregnancy hemorrhages. Absorbable properties of gelatin sponge particles reduce the risk of adverse effect on fertility.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous
  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects*
  • Cicatrix / etiology
  • Cicatrix / surgery*
  • Female
  • Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / etiology
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uterine Artery Embolization / methods*
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / surgery*