Uterine artery embolisation for acute dysfunctional uterine bleeding with failed medical therapy: a novel approach to management

BMJ Case Rep. 2015 Jan 16:2015:bcr2014204446. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2014-204446.

Abstract

A 35-year-old woman with a history of three previous caesarean sections was admitted with acute dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) complicated by anaemia; she had a haemoglobin level of 5.3 g/dL, requiring multiple blood transfusions. Investigations performed excluded pelvic pathology and haematological causes for her acute DUB. Despite the use of various pharmacological agents, her bleeding persisted and she eventually underwent uterine artery embolisation (UAE) to arrest bleeding. She was well postprocedure and was discharged on combined oral contraceptives. However, she presented a year later with another episode of acute DUB that required a repeat UAE. This case report summarises the use of UAE in the management of acute DUB following failed medical therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Cesarean Section, Repeat / adverse effects*
  • Contraceptives, Oral / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation
  • Humans
  • Progesterone / administration & dosage
  • Progestins / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uterine Artery Embolization*
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / drug therapy
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Uterine Hemorrhage / surgery*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Progestins
  • Progesterone