Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm: not a rare condition occurring after non-traumatic delivery or non-traumatic abortion

Abstract

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) is considered a rare disorder after traumatic delivery or traumatic pregnancy termination such as cesarean section or dilatation and curettage, initially manifesting as genital hemorrhage. Our clinical impression contradicts these three assumptions; after traumatic delivery/termination, hemorrhage, and its rarity. Thus, we attempted to clarify these three issues. We retrospectively analyzed 22 UAP cases treated at our institute over a 6-year period. Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm occurred in 2-3/1,000 deliveries. Of 22 cases, half occurred after non-traumatic deliveries or non-traumatic pregnancy termination. Fifty-five percent (12/22) showed no hemorrhage; ultrasound or color Doppler revealed UAP. Thus, half of UAP occurred after non-traumatic deliveries or non-traumatic pregnancy termination and showed no hemorrhage at the time of their diagnoses. All patients received transarterial embolization, which stopped blood flow into UAP or achieved hemostasis. We must be aware that UAP may not be so rare and it may be present in patients after non-traumatic deliveries/pregnancy termination and without postpartum or postabortal hemorrhage.