Volume 48, Issue 1 March 2024 JVU 481-48 | Acquired Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation: Treatment with Uterine Artery Embolization-Acquired Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation: Treatment with Uterine Artery Embolization

Acquired Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation: Treatment with Uterine Artery Embolization

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This article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of acquired uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which are rare causes of vaginal bleeding in women. These AVMs result from abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the uterus and can be acquired through various causes such as retained products of conception, uterine trauma, or surgical intervention. Symptoms of AVMs include intermittent to profuse vaginal bleeding.<br /><br />The diagnosis of AVMs is typically made using ultrasound with color Doppler followed by computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment options vary based on the severity of symptoms, patient preferences, and desire for future fertility. These options include conservative therapy, uterine artery embolization (UAE), and hysterectomy. <br /><br />The article presents three cases of AVMs that were diagnosed using ultrasound and successfully treated with UAE. The first case involved a 24-year-old woman who had previously experienced a miscarriage and underwent a laparoscopic laser ablation for endometriosis. The second case was a 22-year-old woman who had recently given birth, and the third case was a 34-year-old woman who had a history of postpartum hemorrhage. In all three cases, UAE was performed, resulting in the resolution of the AVMs.<br /><br />The authors highlight the importance of considering AVMs in the differential diagnosis of vaginal bleeding in women of childbearing age who have recently undergone uterine trauma or instrumentation. They also emphasize the use of ultrasound and angiography for accurate diagnosis and the success of UAE in preserving fertility and avoiding hysterectomy.<br /><br />Overall, this article provides insights into the diagnosis and treatment of acquired uterine AVMs, highlighting the importance of early detection and appropriate management to prevent life-threatening hemorrhage.

Keywords

uterine arteriovenous malformations

vaginal bleeding

diagnosis

treatment

acquired AVMs

ultrasound

color Doppler

computed tomography angiography

magnetic resonance imaging

uterine artery embolization