Serious complications of uterine artery embolization for conservative treatment of fibroids.
OBJECTIVE
Document major complications following treatment of fibroids by uterine artery embolization (UAE).


METHODS
Two case reports.


METHODS
University medical center.


METHODS
Two women with symptomatic fibroid uteri.


METHODS
Selective bilateral uterine artery embolization.


METHODS
Complications attributable to UAE.


RESULTS
Two patients experienced significant morbidity requiring hysterectomy due to infection and/or partial bowel obstruction resulting from UAE.


CONCLUSIONS
Reports of the management of symptoms related to fibroids with UAE infrequently include adverse outcomes and/or complications. The two cases we managed reinforce that UAE is not free of the risk of life-threatening complications that require emergency hysterectomy. Increasing surveillance for complications may help define the selection criteria that decrease the risks of UAE.
Payne
John F
JF
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. payne027@mc.duke.edu
Haney
A F
AF
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D010052:Ovariectomy; D013724:Teratoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*