Arterio-venous malformations of uterus - diagnostic and management dilemmas

Keeping in mind the life-threatening consequences of curettage in cases of undiagnosed uterine arterio-venous malformation (AVM), its possibility should be considered in patients presenting with abnormal heavy uterine bleeding and negative Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-hCG) values. We collected a series of cases in which the patients presented with abnormal heavy uterine bleeding, some not responding to conservative treatment. In the presence of declining or low serum β-hCG levels and ultrasound Doppler showing increased vascularity, patients were investigated to detect the possible presence of uterine AVM. In those patients in whom angiographic confirmation of uterine AVM was made, embolisation was done and the outcome was followed. In those patients in whom hysterectomy was done the histopathogy specimen was studied for the possible cause of increased vascularity. Arterio-venous shunting seen on ultrasound does not always imply a uterine AVM and some cases can present diagnostic and management dilemmas.