Uterine artery malformation as a hidden cause of severe uterine bleeding. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Uterine artery malformations are rare, life-threatening conditions. Clinical suspicion is essential for a prompt diagnosis and treatment.


METHODS
A 29-year-old woman was evaluated for severe uterine bleeding that started abruptly two weeks after elective termination of pregnancy. She underwent dilatation and curettage of the uterine cavity for retained products of conception. The patient presented to the emergency room two weeks later with abrupt onset of profuse vaginal bleeding that would spontaneously subside. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed a left uterine artery malformation that was successfully embolized.


CONCLUSIONS
Uterine artery malformations should be suspected when heavy vaginal bleeding occurs in spite of medical or surgical treatment.
Elia
G
G
Division of Urogynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, 1000 Tenth Avenue, Suite 10C, New York, NY 10019, USA. gelia@slrch.org
Counsell
C
C
Singer
S J
SJ
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000328:Adult; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D014599:Uterus / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology