Fertility outcomes following pelvic embolization in women with acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation

Abstract

Objective: Acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation (UAVM) is a rare, life-threatening disease. Angiography with uterine arterial embolization (UAE) is the diagnostic tool and a choice of fertility-sparing treatment. Here, we present a series of five successful pregnancies after embolization of UAVM. Case reports: Three reproductive aged women were treated for UAVM, resulting in five successful pregnancies. Their past history suggested that three cases had had previous uterine procedures, including second trimester abortion and elective dilatation and curettage. Intermittent heavy vaginal bleeding was the primary symptom of UAVM. One patient with anemia had two ineffective embolizations and achieved a singleton pregnancy after the third embolization. However, intrauterine fetal demise with severe fetal growth retardation was noted on the 28th gestation week. The other two women had temporary ovulation disorder after UAE. After Clomiphene Citrate (CC) treatment, successful pregnancies were achieved and carried to term uneventfully. Conclusion: UAE is an acceptable method for preserving fertility and treatment in women with symptomatic UAVMs.

Keywords

• Uterine arteriovenous malformation
• Fertility
• Uterine arterial embolization