Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm manifesting delayed postabortal bleeding

Objective

To study a case of a huge pseudoaneurysm of the uterine artery presenting with vaginal bleeding 2 years after termination of pregnancy in a 23-year-old woman.

Design

Retrospective clinical case.

Setting

Academic-based gynecology center of university hospital.

Patient(s)

A 23-year-old women, 2 years after termination of pregnancy, presenting with vaginal bleeding.

Intervention(s)

The diagnosis of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm was made by color and duplex Doppler ultrasonography and confirmed by arteriography. The angiographic study showed a pseudoaneurysm arising from the right uterine artery.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Clinical response to treatment.

Result(s)

The uterine artery pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated by embolization. The vaginal bleeding subsided immediately after embolization. The patient was monitored monthly for 12 months, during which she had normal menstruation period and no further vaginal bleeding.

Conclusion(s)

Although likely not a common complication of abortion, the diagnosis should be considered in those patients with postabortive bleeding and cystic lesion in the pelvis on ultrasonography.

Key Words: Vaginal bleeding after termination of pregnancy, pseudoaneurysm of uterine artery, uterine artery embolization