Urinary bladder necrosis following selective embolization of the internal iliac artery

A case of massive hemorrhage from pelvic fractures was controlled by embolization of the internal iliac artery with autologous blood clots. Later an infarct of the bladder wall developed, probably because of embolic material in the capillary system preventing adequate collateral supply. It is concluded that collateral flow should be considered before embolization and that the technique of embolization must be adapted to the individual case.