Arteriovenous Malformation Complicating Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Rare Case of Vaginal Bleeding Managed Successfully by Uterine Artery Embolization

Systematic evaluation of the efficacy of treatments for cesarean scar pregnancy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a type of ectopic pregnancy associated with severe complications, including significant hemorrhage, the potential need for hysterectomy, and life-threatening risks. Currently, two classification methods exist for CSP: Vial (type Ia and IIa) and Chinese Expert's Consensus (type Ib, type IIb, and type IIIb). However, these methods have limitations in guiding the selection of appropriate treatment plans for CSP. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments for CSP within our clinic.

METHOD

Our study included 906 patients with CSP from January 2013 to December 2018. The chi-squared test and logistic analysis were used to compare the clinical characteristics. The median and interquartile range (IQR) was calculated. We also analyzed whether preoperative application of methotrexate (MTX) could improve surgical outcomes and the relevant characteristics of misdiagnosed CSP patients.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in gestational age, gestational sac diameter, gestational sac width, gestational sac area, remnant myometrial thickness, vaginal bleeding and preoperative hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001) but not in the incidence of residual tissue (p = 0.053). The other factors (intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin decline, first hemoglobin after operation, total hospital stay, hospital stay after operation, transfusion and duration of catheter drain) were significantly different (p < 0.001). For type Ia and type Ib CSP, 39.3% and 40.2% of patients were treated with dilatation and curettage (D&E) under ultrasound, respectively. For type IIa and type IIIb CSP, 29.9% and 62.7% of patients were treated with laparotomy, respectively. There were no differences in surgical methods, residual tissue and reoperation between the MTX and non-MTX groups (p = 0.20), but liver damage, hospital stay and pain perception were more remarkable in the MTX group. It is noteworthy that 14% of the patients were misdiagnosed with an intrauterine pregnancy. The incidence of misdiagnosis in type IIa CSP patients was higher than that in type Ia CSP patients (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

For type I CSP patients, D&E under ultrasound or D&E under hysteroscopy should be recommended. For type IIIb CSP patients, operative resection should be used. It is currently difficult to choose the appropriate treatment methods for type IIa or type IIb CSP patients.

Successful Management of Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy: A Multidisciplinary Approach Utilising Uterine Artery Embolisation and Hysteroscopic Resection

Cervical ectopic pregnancy (CEP) is a rare and challenging condition that requires prompt management to prevent complications. We present a case of a 27-year-old woman with a history of prior uterine surgeries who presented with vaginal spotting. Ultrasonography revealed an empty uterine cavity and a growing gestational sac with a viable foetus in the cervical canal. Despite methotrexate therapy, her beta-human chorionic gonadotropin hCG levels continued to rise, necessitating an alternative treatment approach. Bilateral uterine artery embolisation (UAE) was performed to reduce the risk of haemorrhage before hysteroscopic resection of the pregnancy. The combined approach of UAE and hysteroscopic resection successfully managed the CEP, leading to a favourable outcome. This case highlights the importance of early detection, tailored interventions and multidisciplinary collaboration in the management of CEP. UAE, in conjunction with hysteroscopic resection, offers a promising treatment option for CEP, minimising complications and preserving reproductive health.