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Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation ‐ A Rare Cause of Uterine Haemorrhage
Author(s) -
Manolitsas Tom,
Hurley Victor,
Gilford Eric
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1994.tb02691.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hysterectomy , arteriovenous malformation , uterine bleeding , hysteroscopy , embolization , curettage , surgery , obstetrics
Summary: Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare cause of massive uterine bleeding, with 70 cases reported in the English literature. Although uterine AVM is a rare cause of menorrhagia or postmenopausal bleeding, it is important to consider in the assessment of a patient with abnormal (especially heavy) uterine bleeding because accurate diagnosis can allow appropriate treatment to be planned and avoid hysterectomy in women who wish to retain their reproductive capacity. Until relatively recently this condition was difficult to diagnose and management almost always required hysterectomy. Special investigations (hysteroscopy, Doppler flow ultrasound and pelvic angiography) are important for diagnosis and assessment. Transcatheter embolization has replaced hysterectomy as the treatment of choice in women who wish to retain their fertility. Curettage may precipitate life‐threatening haemorrhage and is therefore contraindicated when uterine AVM is suspected.