Arteriovenous Malformation of the Uterus after Dilatation and Curettage Diagnosed by Three-dimensional Power Doppler Angiography

Abstract

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the uterus are rare entities, with only sporadic cases reported in the literature. Traditionally, their diagnosis and treatment depend on invasive angiography. Recently, noninvasive methods such as contrastenhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and color flow Doppler ultrasound have been proposed to diagnose this condition. We report a case of uterine AVM after dilatation and curettage diagnosed and traced by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler angiography. The Doppler signals in the AVM were analyzed using computer software (VOCAL, Medison-Kretz). The vascularization index, vascularization flow index and the region of interest gradually decreased during the 90-day follow-up period. The flow index remained similar to its initial value. 3D power Doppler angiography may serve as a more convenient tool than angiography for the diagnosis and monitoring of uterine AVMs.