Pseudoaneurysm of the uterine artery post loop electrosurgical excision procedure

The formation of a uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is rare and isolated cases have been reported in the existing literature following caesarean sections, curettages and cone biopsies. There has been no report of pseudoaneurysm formation following a loop electrosurgical excision procedure. Vaginal bleeding could potentially be life threatening if this diagnosis is not considered following cervical instrumentation or surgery. Management options range from haemostatic sutures, image-guided embolisation to surgical repair. We report the diagnosis and management of a case of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm after a loop electrosurgical excision procedure.

A 37-year-old woman was diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) and underwent a therapeutic loop electrosurgical excision procedure. One month after the procedure, the patient presented to the emergency department with repeated episodes of sudden-onset heavy vaginal bleeding associated with hypotension and syncope. A computed tomography angiogram was performed, which demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm of the right uterine artery. Following the diagnosis, image-guided embolisation was performed successfully. Post-embolisation angiograms showed successful embolisation of the pseudoaneurysm and the patient had no further episodes of bleeding.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedures are generally safe but rarely, can be complicated by the formation of uterine artery pseudoaneurysms. The depth of the loop electrosurgical excision procedure and vascular anatomy should be considered to prevent such complications. A computed tomography angiogram appears to be ideal for diagnosis. Image-guided embolisation is safe and effective as a therapeutic measure, with minimal morbidity.