Postpartum uterine arteriovenous fistula.
BACKGROUND
Uterine arteriovenous communications are uncommon lesions that may be associated with life-threatening postpartum and postinstrumentation hemorrhage.


METHODS
A primigravida presented with infected retained products of conception. Excessive hemorrhage of unclear etiology occurred at dilation and curettage. After a second episode of bleeding, the patient received a diagnosis of uterine arteriovenous fistula.


CONCLUSIONS
Uterine arteriovenous communications should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with excessive postpartum or postinstrumentation bleeding. Color and spectral flow Doppler can aid diagnosis and clinical management.
Aziz
Natali
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA. naziz@stanford.edu
Lenzi
Tiffanee A
TA
Jeffrey
R Brook
RB
Lyell
Deirdre J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018457:Placenta, Retained / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011645:Puerperal Infection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*