Μassive secondary postpartum hemorrhage caused by pseudoaneurysm of uterine artery, treated with uterine artery embolization – An uncommon case report

Abstract

Introduction: Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon cause of secondary postpartum hemorrhage that can be fatal. Material & Methods: We present a case of a 42-year-old woman who developed massive secondary postpartum hemorrhage 17 days after c-section and was diagnosed to have pseudoaneurysm from the left uterine artery on computed tomography scan. After blood transfusion she got hemodynamically stable and selective transcatheter arterial embolization was performed. Results: The pseudoaneurysm was successfully obliterated. Conclusions: Angiographic embolization is a safe and competent method for managing postpartum hemorrhage caused by pseudoaneurysm in hemodynamically stable patients. However, uterine artery ligation may be the preferred method for hemodynamically unstable patients when fertility preservation is strongly desired. In a woman with unexplained vaginal bleeding after c-section , pseudoaneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of secondary postpartum hemorrhage. Angiographic embolization should be examined as a treatment method before turning to surgery, in suitable selected cases.