Bleeding after dilatation and curettage: the efficacy of transcatheter uterine artery embolisation

Postabortal Bleeding: A Diagnostic Dilemma Resolved As Arteriovenous Malformation and Successfully Managed With Uterine Artery Embolization

Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are rare and may be missed in routine clinical practice, often concealing their existence until dire consequences emerge. This potentially lethal condition can manifest abruptly, with torrential postabortal bleeding, as a grim reminder of its risky nature. Here, we present a rare case of para 1, living 1, abortion 2, initially subjected to dilatation and evacuation due to a missed abortion at a peripheral healthcare facility, subsequently developing torrential bleeding despite all the conservative measures. So she was referred to our hospital in view of heavy vaginal bleeding following the earlier instrumentation; the differential diagnosis of molar pregnancy and AVM was made clinically. As per speculum examination, the presence of remnants of abortion was seen, and the possibility of an invasive mole was suspected. Ultrasonography with color Doppler showed uterine AVM, which was further confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In order to save her life while preserving the uterus, a multidisciplinary approach was involved in managing this patient, consisting of interventional radiologists to perform uterine artery embolization (UAE).

Uterine artery Embolization: Interventional Radiologist's Perspective in Management of Uncontrolled Obstetric Hemorrhage

Purpose

To study the efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolization in treatment of obstetric hemorrhage.

Methods

This ethically approved prospective study was conducted between November 2017 and October 2019, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Consecutive patients presenting with uncontrolled obstetric hemorrhage were evaluated. Fifty-three patients with uncontrolled bleeding underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) and were followed up.

Results

Spectrum of patients encountered in this study was arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) (n = 25), retained products of conception (RPOC) (n = 16), RPOC with secondary AVMs (n = 5), ectopic pregnancy (n = 5) and iatrogenic trauma to cervix or vagina (n = 2). A total of 57 UAE procedures were performed in these 53 patients as repeat sessions were required in four patients. Most common embolic agent used was polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles with gelfoam followed by cyanoacrylate glue as second most common agent. Technical success was achieved in 57 (100%) of 57 UAE procedures. Primary clinical success was achieved in 49 (92%) of 53 patients and secondary clinical success in 52 (98%) patients. Clinical failure was observed in one patient who underwent hysterectomy.

Conclusion

Uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective procedure in the management of uncontrolled obstetric hemorrhage.

Management for delayed diagnosis in cesarean scar pregnancy with hemorrhage intra- or postuterine dilation and curettage

Aim

This study aimed to examine the characteristics, management, and outcomes of delayed diagnosis of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) with hemorrhage intra‐ or postuterine curettage for early pregnancy termination.

Methods

The retrospective study, cases were identified from the interrogation of the hospital database and clinical data including the success rate of different treatments, vaginal bleeding time, abnormal beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) time, and menstrual recovery time, preservation of uterus were analyzed.

Results

Medical records of 80 confirmed CSP cases with dilation and curettage (D&C) as primary treatment were analyzed; among them, 22 were treated with uterine arterial embolization (UAE) + methotrexate (MTX); 32 with UAE + surgery; 26 with only surgery or resection and repair. Treatment with UAE had less intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.05). UAE + surgery treatment had the highest success rate (96.8%, p < 0.05), the least vaginal bleeding duration after treatment (11.9 ± 9.6 days, p < 0.05), and least β‐hCG normalization time (17.4 ±  7.8 days, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

UAE + surgery treatment is a favorable and effective option to control massive hemorrhage intra‐ or post‐uterine curettage for early CSP termination.

Angiographic findings and outcomes after embolization of patients with suspected postabortion uterine arteriovenous fistula

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to assess the angiographic incidence of uterine arteriovenous fistula (UAVF) in women referred for a high ultrasonographic suspicion in a postabortion setting and to evaluate the safety, efficacy and impact on further fertility of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in this indication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A monocentric retrospective study of 31patients managed by uterine artery embolization for suspected UAVF after spontaneous or induced first trimester abortion. The diagnosis of UAVF was confirmed when an early venous drainage was identified on the angiogram. Technical success was defined as complete exclusion of the vascular lesion. Clinical success was defined as the absence of bleeding during the clinical follow-up and during the surgery in case of hysteroscopic resection. Information about further fertility was gathered by phone calls to the patients.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 30.8 (±6.0) years. The diagnosis of UAVF was angiographically confirmed in 6 patients (19.4 %). Angiographic findings of retained product of conception (RPOC) with varying degrees of vascularity were observed in remaining patients. The technical success rate of UAE was 100 %, mostly through a proximal and bilateral embolization using a resorbable agent (27/31 patients, 87.1 %). The clinical success rate of UAE was 100 % in the group treated by a single UAE. We did not notice any bleeding during the surgery in the group of patients who needed a further hysteroscopic resection. 14 patients led at least one subsequent pregnancy to term without any difficulty.

CONCLUSION

UAVF is a rare condition. We supposed it may constitute the ultimate stage in the natural history of the retained products of conception with "marked vascularity". UAE seems to be an effective and safe first-line treatment.