TITLE:
Pseudoaneurysm after abdominal myomectomy: A rare but catastrophic complication
AUTHORS:
May-Tal Sauerbrun-Cutler, Jason Kanos, Adie Friedman, Sarah Bernstein
KEYWORDS:
Myomectomy; Pseudoaneurysm; Ultrasound
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.3 No.1,
January
28,
2013
ABSTRACT: Background: Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare diagnosis made postoperatively after pelvic surgery. The exact etiology is unknown however it is speculated to occur when an artery is lacerated and the perivascular tissue maintains persistent blood flow with the parent vessel. It can present with severe hemorrhage two to four weeks after an uncomplicated post operative course. Case: A 45 year old presented with vaginal hemorrhage and hypotension two weeks after abdominal myomectomy. Transvaginal ultrasound with doppler diagnosed pseudoaneurysm of the uterine artery. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular embolization utilizing micro coils. Conclusion: Transvaginal ultrasound is a useful technique in diagnosing pseudoaneurysms. Endovascular embolization is a minimally invasive, safe and effective way to treat this rare complication in institutions that have access to interventional radiology procedures.