Publication:

Uterine vascular lesions: a rare cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, reporting of two cases

Uterine vascular lesions in the form of arteriovenous malformation or pseudo aneurysm are rare but potential life-threatening source of bleeding. A high index of suspicion and accurate diagnosis of the condition in a timely manner are essential because instrumentation that is often used for other causes of uterine bleeding can lead to massive hemorrhage. We describe two cases of uterine vascular malformation, one presenting as postabortal hemorrhage and other as postpartum hemorrhage. Case one presented as postabortal hemorrhage after induced abortion following dilatation & curettage. Case two presented as delayed postpartum hemorrhage after six weeks following cesarean section. In both cases diagnosis of uterine arteriovenous malformation was made on Doppler ultrasonography which was subsequently confirmed on pelvic angiography. The embolization of affected uterine arteries was performed successfully in both cases. Uterine vascular lesion should be suspected in patient with abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially who has recent medical history of induced abortion or dilatation and curettage or cesarean section and so on. Although angiography remains the gold standard for making diagnosis, Doppler ultrasonography is also a good noninvasive technique for the same. Uterine artery embolization offers a safe and effective treatment.