Extra-gonadal collateral supply to uterine leiomyomata: a case report

Although the vast majority of uterine leiomyomata are supplied solely by the uterine arteries, myomata have been reported to recruit additional blood supply, especially from the ovarian arteries. This report describes a patient with vascular supply to uterine leiomyomata from a non-gonadal source. The collateral supply was identified during uterine artery embolization as originating from an aortoiliac hemorrhoidal artery emanating from the inferior mesenteric artery. The aberrant vessel was selectively embolized during a follow-up procedure, which produced successful anatomical and clinical results.