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. 2011 Dec;61(6):641-4.
doi: 10.1007/s13224-011-0096-6. Epub 2012 Feb 14.

Pseudoaneurysm of uterine artery: a rare cause of secondary postpartum hemorrhage

T V Chitra  1 , Seetha Panicker
Affiliations

Pseudoaneurysm of uterine artery: a rare cause of secondary postpartum hemorrhage

T V Chitra et al. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2011 Dec.

Abstract

Objectives: Secondary PPH has received little attention. In more than half of cases the etiology is not made out. Vascular abnormalities like pseudoaneurysm and AV malformation are rare but detectable and easily treatable.

Methods: This is an analysis of five women presenting with severe secondary PPH after the 3rd to 6th week of postpartum. All women were post LSCS with no identifiable cause and referred for further management. They were diagnosed to have pseudoaneurysm by angiography and uterine artery embolisation was done.

Results: Five women were analysed. Four of them had a pseudoaneurysm and were embolised one woman was hemodynamically unstable and hence taken up for hysterectomy.

Conclusion: Pseudoaneurysm is an important vascular abnormality especially following LSCS. Uterine artery embolisation is safe and reliable alternative technique and prevents a hysterectomy.

Keywords: Pseudoaneursym; Secondary postpartum hemorrhage; Uterine artery embolization.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Showing pueudoaneurysm
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Post-embolization status
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Typical “to-and-fro” Doppler wave form
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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