Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment of Uterine Arcuate Artery Pseudoaneurysm: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Post-partum haemorrhage is a major determinant of maternal mortality. Traditionally, cases of post-partum haemorrhage caused by arterial injuries were managed by caesarean hysterectomies or bilateral internal iliac artery ligations. The diagnosis of aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations of uterine artery are often missed. Uterine curettage, caesarean section or vaginal delivery can result in uterine vascular anomalies like pseudo aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, arteriovenous fistula and rupture of uterine vessels. Colour Doppler ultrasound pelvis allows detection of these vascular abnormalities. It helps in differentiating the vascular abnormalities that require embolization from non-vascular abnormalities which can be managed by uterine curretage. Vessel malformations can be treated safely with transcatheter uterine artery embolization, but they can develop disastrous consequences with inadvertent uterine curettage. Transcatheter uterine artery embolization after pelvic angiography is the treatment of choice for uterine artery malformations and it has the advantage of preserving the reproductive capacity. We recommend a routine use of colour Doppler ultrasound pelvis for evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding.