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.

Uterine Artery Embolization: An Analysis of Online Patient Information Quality and Readability with Historical Comparison

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Investigators aimed to assess online information describing uterine artery embolization (UAE) to examine the quality and readability of websites patients are accessing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A list of applicable, commonly used searchable terms was generated, including "Uterine Artery Embolization," "Fibroid Embolization," "Uterine Fibroid Embolization," and "Uterine Artery Embolisation." Each possible term was assessed across the five most-used English language search engines to determine the most commonly used term. The most common term was then investigated across each search engine, with the first 25 pages returned by each engine included for analysis. Duplicate pages, nontext content such as video or audio, and pages behind paywalls were excluded. Pages were analyzed for quality and readability using validated tools including DISCERN score, JAMA Benchmark Criteria, HONcode Certification, Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and Gunning-Fog Index. Secondary features such as age, rank, author, and publisher were recorded.

RESULTS

The most common applicable term was "Uterine Artery Embolization" (492,900 results). Mean DISCERN quality of information provided by UAE websites is "fair"; however, it has declined since comparative 2012 studies. Adherence to JAMA Benchmark Criteria has reduced to 6.7%. UAE website readability remains more difficult than the World Health Organization-recommended 7-8th grade reading levels. HONcode-certified websites (35.6%) demonstrated significantly higher quality than noncertified websites.

CONCLUSIONS

Quality of online UAE information remains "fair." Adherence to JAMA benchmark criteria is poor. Readability is above recommended 7-8th grade levels. HONcode certification was predictive of higher website quality, a useful guide to patients requesting additional information.

Laparoscopic Ligation of Uterine Vasculature for Fertility-Sparing Management of Postabortal Hemorrhage

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To present a surgical video in which bilateral uterine vasculature was ligated laparoscopically in order to preserve the uterus in a patient with postabortal hemorrhage.

DESIGN

A case report (Canadian Task Force classification III).

SETTING

A tertiary referral center in New Haven, CT.

INTERVENTIONS

This is a step-by-step demonstration of laparoscopic ligation of the uterine vasculature in a patient with postabortal hemorrhage. The patient was a 33-year-old Para 4014 woman who presented with postabortal hemorrhage after she underwent an urgent dilation and evacuation for the management of symptomatic placenta accreta at 19 weeks of pregnancy. The patient underwent a physical examination when she presented to the emergency department with postabortal hemorrhage. She was hemodynamically stable, and the examination was negative for cervical or vaginal lacerations. Coagulation studies were negative for any coagulopathy. A pelvic ultrasound did not show any retained products of conception. As per the Society of Family Planning guidelines, uterine massage was performed, and uterotonics (i.e., methylergonovine maleate 0.2 mg intramuscularly and misoprostol 1000 mg per rectum) were given [1]. The postabortal hemorrhage persisted despite medical therapy with an approximate blood loss of 600 mL over 2 hours. An intrauterine tamponade balloon was placed, and the patient then underwent a uterine angiogram and bilateral uterine artery embolization secondary to continued vaginal bleeding despite medical management. She was closely monitored and noted to have another 500 mL of blood loss over 2 hours after completion of uterine artery embolization. At this point, she was resuscitated with 2 U red blood cells because she developed symptoms of hemodynamic instability. Her hematocrit was increased suboptimally after transfusion with stabilization of her vitals. The patient was then counseled on her surgical options because she had failed medical management, intrauterine balloon tamponade, and uterine artery embolization. She stated a strong desire to preserve her uterus. Given her overall hemodynamic stability, laparoscopic ligation of the uterine vessels was proposed, which she agreed on [2]. Risks of the laparoscopic approach were explained to the patient, which included injury to the uterus, ureters, blood vessels, and nerves as well as the possibility of conversion to laparotomy. The surgery started with exploration of the peritoneal cavity. Her uterus was noted to be significantly enlarged with many engorged vessels. In order to decrease the risk of uterine perforation in this bulky and highly vascular uterus, the surgeon decided not to place a uterine manipulator. The retroperitoneum was entered at the right pelvic sidewall. Pararectal and paravesical spaces were then developed. Ureterolysis was performed in order to free its peritoneal and uterine artery attachments. The uterine artery was skeletonized cephalad to the hypogastric bifurcation and was ligated with 5-mm vascular clips. The attention was then turned to the ovarian vessels at the cornu of the uterus. Peritoneal avascular windows were created inferior and superior to the vessels. The blood supply was then ligated with an absorbable suture, and the ligature was secured using the extracorporeal knot tying technique. The same steps were repeated on the left pelvic sidewall. The procedure was completed once excellent hemostasis was assured. Besides the technical steps of the procedure, pelvic anatomic landmarks have also been emphasized in this video for educational purposes.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Laparoscopic ligation of the uterine vasculature was performed without any complications. The operative time was 65 minutes, and blood loss was minimal. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged home the day after her laparoscopic surgery.

CONCLUSION

The uterus was preserved with this minimally invasive approach for the management of postabortal hemorrhage. Laparoscopic ligation of the uterine vessels should be considered in hemodynamically stable patients who desire future fertility when managing postabortal hemorrhage.

Uterine artery embolization combined with local infusion of methotrexate and 5- fluorouracil in treating ectopic pregnancy: A CONSORT-compliant article

BACKGROUND

To compare the efficiency and safety of uterine artery embolization (UAE) combined with local infusion of methotrexate (MTX) or MTX and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy (EP).

METHODS

One hundred women with EP were prospectively enrolled from December 2012 to February 2015 and randomly allocated into 2 groups. One group was treated with UAE combined MTX, and the other with UAE combined with MTX and 5-FU. Local MTX was administrated at a dose of 80 to 120 mg, based on the initial β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) levels, and 5-FU was given intra-arterially at a uniform dose of 0.5 g.

RESULTS

Bilateral UAE was successfully performed in all 100 patients, 88 of whom were clinically successfully treated, 45 (91.8%) in the MTX group, and 43 (87.8%) in the MTX + 5-FU group; 89% of the patients achieved normalization of β-HCG below 70,000 mIU/mL within 14 to 21 days postoperatively. The time to successful β-HCG resolution was 26.74 ± 5.57 days for patients receiving MTX + UAE treatment, and 27.57 ± 5.08 days for those treated with additional 5-FU. Six patients had subsequent intramuscular injections of MTX and 6 had a unilateral salpingectomy after the treatment failure. Mild immediate side effects accounted for 24.5% in the sole MTX and 58.3% in MTX + 5-FU group.

CONCLUSION

A combination of UAE and intrauterine infusion of MTX showed comparable efficiency to UAE combined with a local infusion of MTX and 5-FU in treating EP patients with the intention to preserve fertility.

Massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage secondary to femoral artery puncture: A case report and review of literature

RATIONALE

A rare case of massive bleeding with rupture of the branch artery deriving from uterine artery was reported in the present study.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 29-year old female patient received embolism of malformed cerebral vessels. Ten hours after the operation, a sudden drop in blood pressure occurred. The patient developed coma and shock, and again underwent interventional angiography, which revealed bleeding at the right femoral artery puncture site of the first interventional procedure. The bleeding sign disappeared by pressure dressing. At 19 hours after stable condition, blood pressure fell again, and it was considered that recurrent bleeding occurred at the femoral artery puncture point. Therefore surgical suture of punctured blood vessel was performed. Then the condition was stabilized again. After another 20 hours, the third times blood pressure dropped. The third interventional angiography displayed a rupture of the branch artery deriving from the right uterine artery. Blood pressure of the patient elevated after embolism of right uterine artery, and the condition gradually stabilized.

DIAGNOSES

The massive bleeding with rupture of the branch artery deriving from uterine artery seconded huge retroperitoneal hematoma after femoral artery puncture.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent three times interventional treatment including an embolism of malformed cerebral vessels, a right femoral artery interventional treatment, an embolism of the branch artery deriving from the right uterine artery and one time of surgical suture of punctured blood vessel.

OUTCOMES

Half a month of comprehensive treatment later, the patient was discharged from the hospital.

LESSONS

Massive bleeding with rupture of branch of artery deriving from the uterine artery following grain retroperitoneal hemorrhage is extremely rare, to the best of our knowledge, it has not been previously reported. The rupture of branch of artery deriving from the uterine artery should be considered as one the differential diagnosis in the retroperitoneal hemorrhage when the bleeding cause was not found. Endovascular trans-arterial embolism was a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic option.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after postpartum hemorrhage and uterine artery embolization: A case report

RATIONALE

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by clinical and radiological features, including headache, disturbed consciousness, seizures, and cortical blindness associated with findings indicating posterior leukoencephalopathy on imaging studies. Ours is the first case of PRES developing after postpartum hemorrhage and uterine artery embolization.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 18-year-old patient had postpartum hemorrhage after a normal delivery. She required uterine artery embolization to stop the bleeding; however, she developed PRES 2 hours after the surgery.

DIAGNOSES

Brain computed tomography suggested subarachnoid hemorrhage or cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. However, findings on magnetic resonance imaging were highly indicative of PRES.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient received diazepam and midazolam to prevent seizures.

OUTCOMES

Seizures were controlled on the first day. The patient's visual acuity returned to normal on the fourth day of admission. Thirteen days after admission, her neurological signs and symptoms were completely managed.

LESSONS

PRES may be related to postpartum hemorrhage, blood pressure fluctuation, inflammation, and contrast agents. Collectively, they cause a breakage in the blood-brain barrier and endothelial cell damage, eventually leading to PRES. We also found PRES had many features similar with contrast-induced encephalopathy.

[Uterine fibroids]

Uterine fibroids are common, and only women with symptoms need treatment. Hysterectomy has been the most common treatment, but current management strategies offer a wide variety of treatment options ranging from medical, radiological to surgical treatment. The treatment needs to be individualized to each patient according to symptoms, age, number and position of fibroids and wish for future fertility.

An unexpected complication following uterine artery embolisation

A 35-year-old nulliparous woman underwent uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for heavy menstrual bleeding and anaemia due to fibroids, refractive to medical and surgical treatment.Bilateral UAE was performed after cephazolin prophylaxis and analgesia. Postoperatively, pain and abdominal bloating were prominent. Symptoms were initially treated as postembolisation syndrome, and analgesia was escalated. By the third day, pain was worsening and the woman developed marked tachypnoea and tachycardia, with raised inflammatory markers and lactate. An abdominal X-ray and CT showed dilated colon. A colonoscopy demonstrated severe mucosal ulceration down to the muscular layer.A subtotal colectomy and end ileostomy formation was performed with intraoperative findings of toxic megacolon with near perforation. The cause of the toxic megacolon, in the absence of previous bowel pathology, was attributed to pseudomembranous colitis as a consequence of single dose prophylactic antibiotic.

Uterine Artery Embolization and Surgical Methods for the Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis Followed by Indirect Treatment Comparison

PURPOSE

There is significant discussion and uncertainty about the optimal management of symptomatic uterine leiomyomas (SULs). Nonsurgical procedures such as uterine artery embolization (UAE) have been developed. The goal of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis and an indirect treatment comparison to examine the comparative efficacy and safety of the surgical procedures to treat SULs compared with UAE.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Lilacs, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched from inception to February 2016. Ten randomized controlled trials comparing UAE versus hysterectomy, myomectomy, and laparoscopic occlusion of the uterine arteries in patients with SUL published in a peer-reviewed journal were included. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed quality, and extracted data. Discrepancies were resolved through consensus.

FINDINGS

Data from 986 patients submitted to UEA (n = 527) or surgery (n = 459) were analyzed. UAE had a lower risk of major complications (risk ratio [RR], 0.45 [95% CI, 0.22-0.95]; P = 0.04)and a higher risk of minor complications (RR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.32-2.06]; P < 0.00001); UAE had a higher risk of re-intervention up to 2 years (RR, 3.74 [95% CI, 1.76-7.96]; P = 0.0006) and up to 5 years (RR, 5.01 [95% CI, 1.37-18.39]; P = 0.02); UAE had a similar risk of follicle-stimulating hormone levels >40 IU/L after 6 months (RR, 1.76 [95% CI, 0.24-12.95]; P = 0.58)and of recommending the procedure to another patient up to 5 years after treatment (RR, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.87-1.14]; P = 0.94). The indirect comparison between myomectomy and hysterectomy found that the 2 procedures were similar in the studied outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS

Compared with surgery, UAE had lower rates of major complications with an increased risk of re-intervention up to 2 and 5 years after the first procedure. UAE compared with surgery had a similar risk of ovarian failure and similar recommendation of the procedure to another patient. However, the number of trials was limited, and there was a high risk of bias in at least 2 domains. None of the trials blinded the participants and personnel or the outcome assessment. PROSPERO identifier: CRD42015026319.

Comparison of transvaginal surgery and methotrexate/mifepristone-combined transcervical resection in the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To explore the safety and efficiency of transvaginal surgical treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 54 CSP patients that received treatment in our hospital from October 2011 to September 2015 was performed, dividing two groups: Group A (n=34) received transvaginal cesarean scar pregnancy focus clearance surgery while Group B (n=20) received transcervical resection following methotrexate/mifepristone-combined treatment. The basic clinical findings were collected and analyzed, along with the curative effects between the two groups.

RESULTS

Differences in age (30.91 ± 4.59 years vs. 31.91 ± 5.53 years) for gravidity (2.97 ± 1.24 times vs. 2.75 ± 1.48 times), cesarean section (1.24 ± 0.43 vs. 1.20 ± 0.41), time interval from last cesarean section (56.53 ± 32.93 months vs. 58.70 ± 39.44 months), menelipsis (51.35 ± 10.90 days vs. 57.85 ± 16.62 days), pre-operative serum-hCG (27953.65 ± 37517.10 mIU/L vs. 17368.24 ± 35094.14 mIU/L), operation time (43.34 ± 12.38 min vs 40.07 ± 16.88 min), menstruation recovery time (1.23 ± 0.53 months vs. 1.55 ± 0.76 months) were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The differences in the intraoperative blood loss (43.34 ± 12.38 ml vs. 40.07 ± 16.88 ml), average hospital stay (7.61 ± 2.47 days vs. 12.42 ± 3.64 days), time for β-hCG to return to normal (18.50 ± 8.19 mIU/L vs. 29.00 ± 12.96 mIU/L) between the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Group A was significantly lower than Group B.

CONCLUSIONS

Transvaginal surgery is an effective and relatively safe treatment option for CSP patients.

Impact and clinical significance of Embosphere microsphere artery embolization therapy in serum VEGF expression level of women patients with uterine fibroids

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the effect of Embosphere microsphere artery embolization on the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with uterine fibroid.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 2014 to December 2015, 128 women in child-bearing age with uterine intramural fibroids were enrolled in the patient group. At the same time, 128 healthy cases in child-bearing age were randomly selected and enrolled in the control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum level of VEGF, and immunohistochemical staining method was used to study the expression of VEGF in the uterine fibroids. Embosphere microsphere artery embolization surgery was performed on cases in the patient group.

RESULTS

The serum level of VEGF in the patient group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Immunohistochemical staining results showed that in the control group, VEGF expression level in uterine fibroid tissue was significantly higher. Compared with before the treatment, tumor diameter in the patient group reduced significantly 3 months after the treatment. Erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, and menstrual blood volume increased significantly 6 months after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum VEGF level can be considered as a marker for uterine fibroid, and by using VEGF as a marker we can increase the probability of early diagnosis. We showed that, compared with hysterectomy, Embosphere microsphere embolization had an evident advantage and might be an excellent candidate to replace hysterectomy.

Specialty-Specific Values Affecting the Management of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids

PURPOSE

To better understand why interventional radiologists and gynecologists differ in their approaches to symptomatic uterine fibroids.

METHODS

Conversational interviews were conducted with 26 interventional radiologists and gynecologists about their professional roles, clinical reasoning, and practice variation within and outside their specialty. Interview transcripts were systematically analyzed using NVivo 10 software (QSR International, Burlington, Massachusetts) according to grounded theory and content analysis to identify key themes and compare themes across specialties and practice environments. Data were supplemented with retrospective analysis of 7,659 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids treated at a large academic center over 11 years.

RESULTS

Interventional radiologists' shares of symptomatic uterine fibroid treatment and endovascular stent treatments have remained constant (P > .05) for 11 y at a large medical center, whereas minimally invasive gynecologic fibroid treatments and the percentage of interventional radiology (IR) procedures reimbursed by Medicaid/Medicare have increased significantly (r > .90, P < .001 and r = .93, P < .001). Interventional radiologists and gynecologists shared a commitment to do "the right thing" for patients, but each group possessed distinct professional values affecting how they viewed medical evidence, outcomes, and their colleagues. When differences were apparent and concerning, physicians tended to suspect ulterior motives not in patients' best interests.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventional radiologists and gynecologists demonstrated wide-ranging perspectives regarding their role in caring for patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids. To promote genuine collaboration and adoption of shared goals, stakeholders should seek and promote a deeper understanding of specialty-specific values and culture.

Preliminary experience in uterine artery embolization for second trimester pregnancy induced labor with complete placenta previa, placenta implantation, and pernicious placenta previa

OBJECTIVE

To explore the application of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in complete placenta previa, placenta implantation, and pernicious placenta previa during second trimester pregnancy induced labor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From April 2013 to April 2014, the present hospital admitted 12 cases of second-trimester complete placenta previa, placenta implantation, and pernicious placenta previa. Six of 12 cases at first were given UAE before cesarean section or labor induction. The other six cases, which were introduced into the present hospital after a failed embolization, underwent UAE, followed by hysteroscopy or curettage or laparotomy.

RESULT

None of the 12 patients underwent hysterectomy. The average blood loss of six patients with UAE was 383 ml and the average hospitalization was 8.66 days. While the remaining six patients without embolization in advance experienced 1,533 ml mean blood loss and 18 days in average stay. Among 12 patients, seven reported abdominal pain following embolization, four had a fever, and two had nausea and vomiting. Nine patients were followed-up and the menstrual cycles of seven returned to normal in one+ month, one in two+ months, and one suffered amenorrhea. Among the same nine patients, six menstruated regularly, two had menstrual disorders, and one had amenorrhea. No serious short- and long-term complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

UAE is the safe method to avoid serious bleeding due to complete placenta previa, placenta implantation, and pernicious placenta previa with second-trimester pregnancy termination.

Uterine-fundal hypoechoic mass: a possible ultrasound sign for cesarean scar pregnancy

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a life-threatening condition that requires early pregnancy termination. Its early ultrasound diagnosis is clinically important; however, previous studies focused on the CSP site itself. The present study was conducted to investigate the authors' clinical impression that a uterine-fundal hypoechoic mass is more frequently observed in CSP. Such a finding, if confirmed, may contribute to ultrasound diagnosis of CSP. The authors also determined the relationship between the treatment strategy and outcome, with special emphasis on conditions eventually requiring uterine artery embolization (UAE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a case-control study of CSP, and the authors analyzed all 14 women that were treated in this single tertiary institute over a period of ten years. Control subjects consisted of all pregnant women with prior cesarean section (CS) but no CSP.

RESULTS

Patients with CSP were significantly more likely to have a hypoechoic mass than controls (42.9 vs. 15.4%, respectively; p = 0.028). On confining results to a "fundal" hypoechoic mass, only CSP(+) patients showed it (CSP vs. control: 28.6 vs. 0%, respectively; p < 0.001). Six (43%: 6/14) received UAE: four following vaginal evacuation (artificial or spontaneous), and two for bleeding after methotrexate (MTX) treatment.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CSP more frequently had a uterine-fundal hypoechoic mass, whose detection may trigger a detailed observation of the CSP site, possibly leading to CSP diagnosis.

Successful management of complete placenta previa after intrauterine fetal death in a second-trimester pregnancy by uterine artery embolization: case report and literature review

A 27-year-old woman with complete placenta previa was referred at 22 weeks of gestation because of vaginal bleeding and fetal growth restriction. At 24 weeks, sudden fetal death occurred, but bleeding continued and transvaginal sonography revealed abundant periplacental blood flow in the uterine wall. To avoid cesarean section, the authors performed uterine artery embolization (UAE) be- fore vaginal delivery of the fetus. Subsequently, there was little bleeding when laminaria was inserted for cervical ripening and the fetus was delivered vaginally by using vaginal gemeprost. Total blood loss was only 149 ml. The present case suggests that UAE may be an option for patients with placenta previa who desire vaginal delivery after intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) in a second-trimester pregnancy.

Fibroid interventions: reducing symptoms today and tomorrow: extending generalizability by using a comprehensive cohort design with a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Uterine fibroids are an important source of morbidity for reproductive-aged women. Despite an increasing number of alternatives, hysterectomies account for about 75% of all fibroid interventional treatments. Evidence is lacking to help women and their health care providers decide among alternatives to hysterectomy. Fibroid Interventions: Reducing Symptoms Today and Tomorrow (NCT00995878, clinicaltrials.gov) is a randomized controlled trial to compare the safety, efficacy, and economics of 2 minimally invasive alternatives to hysterectomy: uterine artery embolization and magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery. Although randomized trials provide the highest level of evidence, they have been difficult to conduct in the United States for interventional fibroid treatments. Thus, contemporaneously recruiting women declining randomization may have value as an alternative strategy for comparative effectiveness research.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare baseline characteristics of randomized participants with nonrandomized participants meeting the same enrollment criteria and to determine whether combining the 2 cohorts in a comprehensive cohort design would be useful for analysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids seeking interventional therapy at 3 US academic medical centers were randomized (1:1) in 2 strata based on calculated uterine volume (<700 and ≥700 cc(3)) to undergo embolization or focused ultrasound surgery. Women who met the same inclusion criteria but declined randomization were offered enrollment in a parallel cohort. Both cohorts were followed up for a maximum of 36 months after treatment. The measures addressed in this report were baseline demographics, symptoms, fibroid and uterine characteristics, and scores on validated quality-of-life measures.

RESULTS

Of 723 women screened, 57 were randomized and 49 underwent treatment (27 with focused ultrasound and 22 with embolization). Seven of the 8 women randomized but not treated were assigned to embolization. Of 34 women in the parallel cohort, 16 elected focused ultrasound and 18 elected embolization. Compared with nonrandomized participants, randomized participants had higher mean body mass index (28.7 vs 25.3 kg/m(2); P = .01) and were more likely to be gravid (77% vs 47%; P = .003) and smokers (42% vs 12%; P = .003). Age, race, uterine volume, number of fibroids, and baseline validated measures of general and disease-specific quality of life, pain, depression, and sexual function did not differ between the groups. When we performed a comprehensive cohort analysis and analyzed by treatment arm, the only baseline difference observed was a higher median McGill Pain Score among women undergoing focused ultrasound (10.5 vs 6; P = .03); a similar but nonsignificant trend was seen in visual analog scale scores for pain (median, 39.0 vs 24.0; P = .06).

CONCLUSION

Using a comprehensive cohort analysis of study data could result in additional power and greater generalizability if results are adjusted for baseline differences.

Uterine arteriovenous fistula after perforation during the placement of an intrauterine device - Minimally invasive treatment using uterine artery embolization

Uterine arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition. Acquired fistulae may occur as a result of trauma or instrumentation, endometrial carcinoma, gestational trophoblastic disease, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Herein the authors present the case of a 33-year-old woman with a uterine AVF developing after uterine perforation during the placement of a levonorgestrel IUD. The fistula was diagnosed using color Doppler ultrasonography and angiography and the treatment was conducted by minimally invasive approach using uterine artery embolization.

Conservative management of morbidly adherent placenta: expert review

Over the last century, the incidence of placenta accreta, increta, and percreta, collectively referred to as morbidly adherent placenta, has risen dramatically. Planned cesarean hysterectomy at the time of cesarean delivery is the standard recommended treatment in the United States. Recently, interest in conservative management has resurged, especially in Europe. The aims of this review are the following: (1) to provide an overview of methods used for conservative management, (2) to discuss clinical implications for both clinicians and patients, and (3) to identify areas in need of further research.

[Clinical comparison of four treatment methods for cesarean scar pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the best approach to treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

METHODS

A total of 138 patients with CSP treated between January and December, 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were treated with conservative drug therapy, direct curettage, uterine curettage after embolization, or open or transvaginal surgery. The amount of blood loss, proportion of patients with blooding loss greater than 50 mL, hospitalization days, and hospitalization expenses were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

The median volume of blood loss was 370 mL in the conservative treatment group, 59 mL in direct curettage group, 67 mL in interventional therapy group, and 1425 mL in the surgical group, and the proportion of patients with blood loss over 50 mL was 76.9%, 38.8%, 27.5%, and 100% in the 4 groups, respectively. The midian hospital stay of the 4 groups was 9.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 10.0 days, with median hospitalization expenses of 12281.0, 3843.5, 14805.0, and 17202.2 RMB Yuan, respectively. All these data were significantly different among the 4 groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Direct curettage surgery should be encouraged for treatment of CSP. Embolization therapy can reduce the risk of bleeding but is associated with potential complications and more costly, and should be performed with caution. Open or trasnvaginal surgery can be considered in difficult cases of CSP, and its combination with interventional therapy is an option to better preserving the uterus.

Research on Ovary Blood Flow Before and After Uterine Artery Embolization with the Application of Color Doppler Blood Imaging

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the influence of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in the hemodynamics level with the application of color Doppler blood flow imaging.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients (N = 32) with benign gynecologic diseases amenable to UAE were selected. Using color Doppler flow imaging, we measured the ovarian and uterine artery systolic blood flow velocity peak and end diastolic blood flow velocity and resistance index 1 day before UAE and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after UAE.

RESULTS

The success rate of UAE in the 32 patients was 100%. After UAE, clinical symptoms in all patients were improved. Measurements of the uterine artery peak systolic flow velocity, end diastolic blood flow velocity, and resistance index before and after UAE revealed statistically significant differences between the indexes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

UAE in benign gynecologic diseases is simple, less invasive, and allows for a shorter hospital stay. Color Doppler flow imaging can be used as a novel method before and after UAE to evaluate the clinical effect of UAE in benign gynecologic diseases.

[Clinical analysis on selective uterine artery embolization combined with hysteroscopic surgery for exogenous cesarean scar pregnancy in 67 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and feasibility of uterine arterial embolization (UAE) combined with hystersocpic excisionl of exogenous cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

METHODS

Totally 67 patients with exogenous CSP treated with selective UAE combined with hysterscopic surgery in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University were analyzed retrospectively; 35 patients in Group A (thickness of the cesarean scar > 3 mm), while 32 patients in Group B (thickness of the cesarean scar ≤ 3 mm). The following clinical parameters including operative time, intraoperative blood loss, quantity of postoperative uterine drainage, postoperative hospital days, the time for the mass absorption and the return of β-hCG to normal were compared.

RESULTS

All hysterscopic procedures were successfully completed in Group A, and only one case underwent a second hysteroscopic excision due to the 1-month postoperative ultrasound examination indicating a mass located in the cesarean scar and a slow decline of β-hCG. Three cases of Group B were transformed to laparoscopic or laparotomy operation and 7 cases underwent a second surgery. The volume of introperative blood loss was (97 ± 41) ml in Group A and (161 ± 92) ml in Group B, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). But the operative time, quantity of postoperative uterine drainage, postoperative hospital days, the time for the retrun of β-hCG to normal and the mass absorption in Group A were (36 ± 9) minutes, (38 ± 13) ml, (3.5 ± 0.5) days, (26 ± 5) days, (82 ± 17) days, in Group B were (37 ± 9) minutes, (42 ± 16) ml, (4.0 ± 0.7) days, (28 ± 8) days, (88 ± 15) days, respectively, the differences were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For exogenous CSP, when the thickness of cesarean scar is ≤ 3 mm, whether or not undertaking UAE, it should be seen as contraindication of hysterscopic surgery. UAE combined with hysterscopic surgery for the treatment of exogeous CSP with the cesarean scar thickness > 3 mm is safe and feasible according to patients condition and should be performed by experienced hysteroscopist.

Use of three-dimensional power Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of uterine arteriovenous malformation and follow-up after uterine artery embolization: Case report and brief review of literature

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the uterus can cause life-threatening hemorrhage. Unexplained, heavy vaginal bleeding in a reproductive age woman should raise suspicion for an AVM. Here a 37-year-old woman had increasingly severe vaginal bleeding for 15 days. Serum β-hCG was elevated. Two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound suggested retained products of conception. Before dilation and curettage (D&C), color Doppler and three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler demonstrated findings indicative of uterine AVM. A bilateral uterine artery embolization was performed without complications. Three months after uterine artery embolization, 3D power Doppler ultrasonography found complete resolution of the AVM. This case illustrates the importance of assessing both gray-scale and 3D power Doppler, and the ability of postprocedure Doppler to assess resolution.