Embolization of a Traumatic Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation

Abstract

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare but potentially life-threatening source of bleeding. A high index of suspicion and accurate diagnosis of the condition in a timely manor are essential because instrumentation that is often used for other sources of uterine bleeding can lead to massive hemorrhage. Although angiography remains the gold standard for diagnosis, ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the modalities of choice for the evaluation of a suspected AVM. US and MRI cannot only accurately define a uterine AVM, but they also have the ability to assess the extent of pelvic involvement noninvasively. The definitive treatment of uterine AVM is hysterectomy. However, most women diagnosed with the condition are of childbearing age. Transcatheter uterine artery embolization offers a safe and effective alternative to surgery, with the major advantage of retaining childbearing capacity.