Uterine arteriovenous malformation, images, and management

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an infrequently described cause of severe genital tract bleeding. This is an important diagnostic consideration as therapeutic options differ significantly from those utilized with alternate etiologies of genital tract bleeding.

A 30-year-old multiparous female presented initially with vaginal bleeding, and subsequently with intra-abdominal hemorrhage. She was diagnosed with uterine AVM, and was managed with uterine artery embolization followed by eventual hysterectomy.

AVMs, both congenital and acquired, are diagnosed utilizing a range of radiographic tools. Management modalities include embolization and hysterectomy. Our patient presented uniquely with intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Previously managed with uterine artery embolization, hysterectomy became necessary because of her clinical presentation.