Transient ovarian failure: a complication of uterine artery embolization.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of transient ovarian failure shortly after arterial embolization for treatment of uterine fibroids, followed by recovery of ovarian function.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
A university-based hospital.


METHODS
A 49-year-old woman with menorrhagia and anemia secondary to uterine fibroids and refractory to medical management. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level on cycle day 3 before the procedure was 8.2 mIU/mL.


METHODS
Bilateral uterine artery embolization for treatment of menorrhagia.


METHODS
Serum FSH level.


RESULTS
The patient developed amenorrhea and hot flashes 3 months after uterine artery embolization. Her serum FSH level at that time was 140.1 mIU/mL. Four months later, uterine bleeding resumed; her serum FSH level was 2.1 mIU/mL.


CONCLUSIONS
Uterine artery embolization may hasten ovarian failure. This procedure should be reserved for women who have completed their child-bearing or are poor candidates for myomectomy. Patients should be counseled appropriately about the risk of possible ovarian failure.
Amato
P
P
Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, California, USA. pamato@bcm.tmc.edu
Roberts
A C
AC
D000568:Amenorrhea; D001158:Arteries; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D019584:Hot Flashes; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*
D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone