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Vascular malformations in relation to obstetrics and gynaecology: diagnosis and treatment
Author(s) -
AbuGhazza Osama,
Hayes Kevin,
Chandraharan Edwin,
Belli AnnaMaria
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the obstetrician and gynaecologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-4667
pISSN - 1467-2561
DOI - 10.1576/toag.12.2.87.27573
Subject(s) - medicine , obstetrics and gynaecology , uterine artery , hysterectomy , uterine artery embolization , obstetrics , gynecology , arteriovenous malformation , pregnancy , surgery , gestation , genetics , biology
Key content• Acquired uterine artery and congenital uterine arteriovenous malformations are rare but are associated with intractable uterine haemorrhage and increased maternal morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed early. • A high index of suspicion is required to make a timely diagnosis. • Haemorrhages resulting from acquired uterine artery and congenital uterine arteriovenous malformations are associated with a previous history of obstetric or gynaecological surgery. • Ultrasound can be key in diagnosing and localising these lesions before angiography. • Selective uterine artery embolisation is the treatment of choice.Learning objectives• To understand how uterine artery malformations are acquired and potential methods of prevention. • To recognise the clinical presentations of these lesions. • To note the role of ultrasound and colour Doppler examination in their diagnosis. • To identify appropriate management strategies.Ethical issues• Early diagnosis prevents unnecessary intervention such as evacuation of retained products of conception and use of antibiotics in cases of postpartum haemorrhage, or even hysterectomy. • Selective uterine artery embolisation appears to preserve ovarian function.Please cite this article as: Abu‐Ghazza O, Hayes K, Chandraharan E, Belli AM. Vascular malformations in relation to obstetrics and gynaecology: diagnosis and treatment. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2010;12:87–93.