Uterine arteriovenous malformation acquired after cesarean section : a case report

Abstract

Background: Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare, potentially life-threatening cause of abnormal uterine bleeding that can be acquired following a cesarean section. The diagnosis is difficult, often misdiagnosed with retained products of conception and placenta accreta. Transarterial embolization (TAE) is an efficacious and effective method of treating AVM, particularly in patients of reproductive age. Case Report: A 41-year-old, nulliparous woman, started with a history of abnormal uterine bleeding 30 days after a cesarean section. She didn’t have anaemia and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) was negative. The transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound showed multiple vascular channels within myometrium showing colored mosaic patterns suggesting AVM, confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The patient was referred to perform a Computed Tomography Angiography and right uterine artery embolization without any vascular complications. Conclusion: AVM is a rare consequence of cesarean section but has to be considered in cases of persistent uterine bleeding in the puerperium. Embolization is a safe and effective choice treatment of AVM and an alternative and less invasive option for patients wishing to preserve fertility.