Uterine arteriovenous malformation: a case report with proposal for pathogenesis.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (UAM) is a rare medical condition. Even though UAM can cause abnormal and life-threatening uterine hemorrhage, there is no consensus on the clinical guideline on its treatments, most likely due to its low incidence, unknown etiology, and distinct fertility demands by different patients. Here, we present one elderly woman with uncommon UAM. We first discuss our experience regarding the diagnoses and treatments of UAM and then propose a hypothesis for the pathogenesis of UAM.

The RPOC long axis is a simple indicator for predicting the need of invasive strategies for secondary postpartum hemorrhage in either post-abortion or post-partum women: a retrospective case control study.

BACKGROUND: The retained products of conception (RPOC) and related conditions (RPOC-ARC) are the main cause of secondary postpartum hemorrhage (sPPH), but there is no clear consensus for their management. The purpose of this study was to characterize those RPOC-ARC that require invasive treatment and those that could be managed more conservatively. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 96 cases of RPOC-ARC that occurred after miscarriage, abortion, or delivery at a gestational age between 12 and 42 completed weeks, that were managed within our institution from May 2015 to August 2020. We reviewed the associations between the occurrence of sPPH requiring invasive treatment with clinical factors such as the maternal background and the characteristics of the lesions. RESULTS: The range of gestational age at delivery in our study was 12-21 weeks in 61 cases, 22-36 in 5, and 37 or later in 30. Among them, nine cases required invasive procedures for treatment. The onset of sPPH was within one month of delivery in all but two cases, with a median of 24 days (range 9-47). We found significant differences between requirements for invasive versus non-invasive strategies according to gestational age at delivery, assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy, amount of blood loss at delivery, and the long axis of the RPOC-ARC lesion (p = 0.028, p = 0.009, p = 0.004, and p = 0.002, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that only the long axis of the lesion showed a significant difference (p = 0.029). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting the need for invasive strategies using the long axis of the lesion showed that with a cutoff of 4.4 cm, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) was 87.5, 90.0, 43.8, and 98.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The long axis of the RPOC-ARC is a simple indicator for predicting which sPPH will require invasive procedures, which use is rare in cases with lesions less than 4.4 cm or those occurring after the first postpartum month. Conservative management should be considered in such cases.

Arteriovenous uterine malformation developed from an interstitial pregnancy on residual tubal stump: A critical managment in a fertile woman.

Uterine arteriovenous malformations are rare conditions with diverse clinical presentation that range from asymptomatic patients to different degrees of menorrhagia, commonly associated with previous pregnancy or uterine trauma. This case report describes a 36-year-old woman who presented with ultrasound diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy on residual right tube stump 4 months after a laparoscopic salpingectomy for extrauterine pregnancy. She started treatment with methotrexate; afterwards serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels and ultrasound follow-ups were scheduled. While serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels were progressively reducing, transvaginal ultrasound follow-ups showed a persistent anechoic mass on right rube stump, with increased peripheral high flow vascularity: highly suspicious for a uterine arteriovenous malformation. A laparoscopy was performed with a tumorectomy of the mass. The histopathological exam of the specimen confirmed uterine arteriovenous malformation. Patient successfully became pregnant 2 years later, with an eventless pregnancy and a vaginal delivery without complications.

Uterine arterio-venous malformation, an uncommon life-threatening condition: a case report.

Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation is a rare gynaecological disorder which commonly presents with profuse vaginal bleeding. This case report presents a patient referred to the Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Hospital Kamra, a peripheral secondary care hospital. Patient was diagnosed as a case of Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation at the Military Hospital and was successfully treated with uterine artery embolization..

Successful management of abnormal uterine bleeding from uterine arteriovenous malformations with progesterone in postabortal patients.

AIM: To study the feasibility of conservative management with progesterone as a treatment option for postabortal patients with uterine arterio-venous malformations (AVMs). METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in the tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 2 years. Postabortal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding were enrolled. Diagnosis was made by history, clinical and radiological examinations. Oral norethisterone was used (10 mg twice daily for 3 weeks, maximum of three cycles). Descriptive statistics was used to present the data. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were included. Majority (n = 17) had complete resolution of symptoms after a single 3-week course of progesterone therapy. Rest (n = 13) remained symptomatic and required second course. Of the later, only three remained symptomatic after 2 months, and underwent CT angiography followed by embolization. There was no report of any serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Oral norethisterone is a safe, effective and novel oral drug as an alternative to embolization or surgical therapy for patients with postabortal AVM bleed. Larger studies are required to confirm the findings of the present study.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation - diagnosis and management.

Uterine arteriovenous malformations are uncommon but potentially life-threatening conditions. They can be congenital or acquired and should be suspected in cases of severe or persistent uterine bleeding. In recent years, there has been an in-creasing number of reports of acquired vascular lesions of the uterus following pregnancy, abortion, caesarean delivery and curettage. This paper presents the review of the literature considered epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods and treatment options. Unexplained uterine bleeding should be always an indication for colour Doppler ultrasonography and the presence of arteriovenous malformation should be always excluded.

Successful management of acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (UAVM) is uncommon. They are usually acquired, due to previous intra uterine trauma. We report a case of acquired UAVM in a 28-years-old patient after a medical abortion, diagnosed with ultrasonography and successfully managed with uterine artery embolization.

Impact of aspirin on trophoblastic invasion in women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler at 11-14 weeks: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Defective trophoblastic invasion is a key feature in many cases of pre-eclampsia (PE). Uterine artery (UtA) Doppler is a validated non-invasive proxy for trophoblastic invasion. The aim of this study was to explore whether low-dose aspirin, administered from the first trimester, improves trophoblastic invasion, evaluated by UtA Doppler during the second and third trimesters in women defined as high risk by abnormal first-trimester UtA Doppler. METHODS: This randomized Phase-II study had a triple-blind, parallel-arm, controlled design. Singleton pregnancies with abnormal mean UtA Doppler at 11-14 weeks and absence of other major risk factors for PE received 150 mg extended-release aspirin or identical-appearing placebo tablets from study inclusion to 28 weeks. Main outcome measure was UtA pulsatility index (PI) at 28 weeks' gestation. Secondary outcomes included frequency of development of PE and growth restriction/small-for-gestational age (SGA). RESULTS: A total of 155 women completed the follow-up and were analyzed. No difference in mean UtA-PI was found between women in the aspirin and placebo groups at 28 weeks (mean UtA-PI Z-score (mean ± SD), 0.99 ± 1.48 vs 0.85 ± 1.25; P = 0.52). Seven women developed PE: four (5%) in the aspirin group and three (4%) in the placebo group. There was a trend toward lower incidence of SGA in the aspirin group (8.8% vs 17.3%; P = 0.11). CONCLUSION: In women with defective trophoblastic invasion, as reflected by abnormal UtA Doppler, low-dose aspirin started in the first trimester does not have a significant effect on UtA impedance as pregnancy progresses; however, the study was underpowered to detect potential small effects . Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Anatomic vascular considerations in uterine artery ligation at its origin during laparoscopic hysterectomies.

Pelvic pathology such as fibroids, endometriosis, adhesions from previous pelvic surgeries, or ovarian remnants can distort anatomy and pose technical challenges during laparoscopic hysterectomies. Retroperitoneal dissection to ligate the uterine artery at its vascular origin can circumvent these obstacles, resulting in a safer procedure. However, detailed anatomic knowledge of the course of the uterine artery and understanding of vascular variations are essential for optimal dissection. We frequently encounter a C-shaped uterine artery variation during retroperitoneal dissection. We describe the key steps in identification and isolation of this variant, approaching the uterine artery origin either from the pararectal space or by utilizing the medial umbilical ligament coursing through the paravesical space. We also review other known uterine artery configurations. These techniques allow for safe completion of complex laparoscopic hysterectomies performed for various gynecologic diseases.

Uterine artery embolization for uterine arteriovenous malformation in five women desiring fertility: pregnancy outcomes.

Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are rare and can be classified as either congenital or acquired. Acquired AVMs may result from trauma, uterine instrumentation, infection or gestational trophoblastic disease. The majority of acquired AVMs are encountered in women of reproductive age with a history of at least one pregnancy. Traditional therapies of AVMs include medical management of symptomatic bleeding, blood transfusions, uterine artery embolization (UAE) or hysterectomy. In this retrospective case series, we report our experience with AVM and UAE in five symptomatic women of reproductive age who wished to preserve fertility. Patients were 18-32 years old, and had 1-3 previous pregnancies prior to initial presentation. All patients were followed until their deliveries. All five patients delivered live births. Three of the five patients required two embolization procedures and one of these women required a subsequent hysterectomy. Two deliveries were at term and had normal weight babies and normal placenta. One woman had cerclage placed and developed chorioamnionitis at 34 weeks but had a normal placenta. Two pregnancies were induced <37 weeks for pre-eclampsia/b intrauterine growth restriction ± abnormal umbilical artery dopplers. The low birthweight were both <2000 g. Both placentas showed accelerated maturity and infarcts. All estimated blood losses were recorded as <500 cc. In conclusion, UAE may not be as effective at managing AVM as previously thought and should be questioned as an initial therapy in symptomatic women of reproductive age desiring fertility preservation.

A case with life-threatening uterine bleeding due to postmenopausal uterine arteriovenous malformation.

BACKGROUND: Uterine arteriovenous malformation is a rare but life-threatening condition that accounts for 1-2% of massive vaginal bleeding. Uterine arteriovenous malformations are less common after menopause. The condition can be diagnosed using Doppler ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and pelvic angiography. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a postmenopausal patient with a uterine arteriovenous malformation who underwent emergency hysterectomy for sudden onset of life-threatening uterine bleeding following an initially successful but ultimately failed uterine artery embolization. Interestingly, it was not difficult to ligate and cut the dilated vessels and we were able to safely perform the hysterectomy with little bleeding in the operative field. The hysterectomy was successful, with most of the intraoperative vaginal blood loss due to the ruptured arteriovenous malformation. One year after surgery, the patient has had no vaginal bleeding. CONCLUSION: We consider hysterectomy to be a comparatively safe and effective therapeutic option for postmenopausal women who suffered from uterine arteriovenous malformations with life-threatening uterine bleeding.

Recurrent secondary postpartum hemorrhages due to placental site vessel subinvolution and local uterine tissue coagulopathy.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) represents a serious problem for women and obstetricians. Because of its association with hemorrhagic shock and predisposition to disseminated coagulopathy, it is a leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide. Furthermore, the jeopardy of PPH is rising with the secondary form of PPH occurring between 24 hours and 6 weeks postpartum, when women are already discharged home. The causes of this pathology are severe inflammation (endometritis), inherited coagulation disorders, consumptive coagulopathy, and retained products of conceptions. Others are of rare occurrence, such as vessel subinvolution (VSI) of the placental implantation site, uterine artery pseudoaneurysm, or trauma. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a rare form of recurrent secondary postpartum hemorrhage in a woman after uncomplicated cesarean delivery, with review of the literature linked to the management of this situation originating in the rare local VSI in the placental implantation site, defective decidual homeostasis, and coagulopathy confined to the uterus. CONCLUSION: The placental site VSI is one of the rare causes of secondary PPH, and this situation is frequently underdiagnosed by clinicians. The histological confirmation of dilated "clustered"-shaped myometrial arteries partially occluded by thrombi of variable "age" together with the presence of endovascular extravillous trophoblasts confirms the diagnosis.

Sonohysterography is a useful diagnostic approach for uterine arteriovenous malformation.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare cause of abnormal uterine bleeding; nevertheless, it is a potentially life-threatening condition when the diagnosis is not made. We report a case of uterine AVM with a secondary uterine hematoma diagnosed 2 weeks after curettage due to spontaneous abortion. Ultrasound examination revealed a mixed echogenic mass of approximately 4 cm × 1.5 cm with no blood flow and an additional contiguous heterogeneous mass with turbulent blood flow depicted by color Doppler. Transvaginal sonohysterography enabled us to exclude residual chorionic tissues and to make precise diagnosis of uterine AVM with a secondary hematoma.

Disappearance of a uterine arteriovenous malformation following long-term administration of oral norgestrel/ethinyl estradiol.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can cause sudden massive hemorrhage. We report a case of uterine AVM following curettage in a patient treated conservatively with an intermediate-dose pill. An 18-year-old gravida 2 para 0 underwent curettage at 12 weeks of gestation and was examined for massive genital hemorrhage that occurred in postoperative month 4. Abundant blood flow in a mass within the uterine lumen was observed on color Doppler ultrasonography, and the patient was diagnosed with AVM. Six days after starting oral norgestrel/ethinyl estradiol, the hemorrhage ceased, and computed tomography on day 37 of administration showed disappearance of the abnormal vasculature. After 12 months, the patient's course remains favorable without relapse. Transarterial embolization for AVM can cause ovarian failure and subsequent placental malpositioning. Administration of oral norgestrel/ethinyl estradiol may be an alternative conservative treatment option for patients who wish to maintain fertility.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation after gestational trophoblastic disease: a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is considered a rare condition. Diagnosis is critical because patients are at risk of significant vaginal hemorrhage that has been traditionally managed with surgery. CASE: We report 2 cases of uterine AVM after gestational trophoblastic disease in young women who were treated with uterine artery embolization, allowing preservation of reproductive capability. CONCLUSION: Embolization addresses both the preservation of future reproductive function and the prevention of major surgery and anesthesia. Success rates have been quoted as > 90% with minimal complications after uterine artery embolization.