Fatal sepsis after uterine artery embolization with microspheres.
A case report of fatal sepsis after uterine artery embolization (UAE) with microspheres is presented. At autopsy, microspheres were found not only in arteries in the leiomyomata and myometrium but also in the parametria and the vagina, leading to a necrotic vaginal wall and uterine cervix. At present, polyvinyl alcohol particles are usually used in UAE. Recently, study results of the use of microspheres in embolization procedures have become available. The rationale for the choice of a specific embolization particle and the clinical implications of possible sepsis after UAE are discussed.
de Blok
Sjoerd
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Eerste Oosterparkstraat 279, 1091 HA Amsterdam, The Netherlands. s.deblok@olvg.nl
de Vries
Cees
C
Prinssen
Helma M
HM
Blaauwgeers
Hans L G
HL
Jorna-Meijer
Lorine B
LB
D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008863:Microspheres; D009336:Necrosis; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality*; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*