Arteriovenous malformations of the uterus: an uncommon cause of vaginal bleeding

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are rare entities in gynecology, with only 73 cases reported in the literature. Most commonly they present with vaginal hemorrhage, but other presentations such as congestive heart failure, postmenopausal bleeding, and an asymptomatic mass have been described. These lesions may be congenital or acquired. Acquired lesions are believed to follow trauma or may arise after choriocarcinoma or other gynecologic malignancies. Diagnosis can rapidly be made with color flow Doppler ultrasound or angiography. Additionally, they have been detected using hysteroscopy, hysterosalpingogram, and computerized tomography. Acute management consists of hemodynamic stabilization and possibly placement of a Foley bulb in the uterus or methylergonovine injection. Ultimate treatment depends on the patients desire for fertility. Embolization therapy is variably successful and may allow the preservation of reproductive capacity. To date, five pregnancies after embolization have been reported with varying outcomes. If pregnancy is not desired or embolization fails, hysterectomy remains the treatment of choice.