Embolization for post-partum rupture of ovarian artery aneurysm: case report and review

Abstract

Spontaneous rupture of an ovarian artery aneurysm most commonly presents with abdominal pain in a multiparous woman in the early post-partum period. Aneurysms of the ovarian artery have been reported in the published work very infrequently. In our case, a 31-year-old multiparous woman experienced sudden left lower quadrant abdominal pain on the second post-partum day. Angiography showed rupture of a left ovarian artery aneurysm, which was successfully embolized using gelatin sponge particles. The patient resumed menstruation 3 months after the embolization and concurrently conceived, ultimately giving birth at term without complications. Interventional radiology appears to be a highly safe and effective technique for diagnosis and management of a ruptured ovarian artery aneurysm with minimal risk of impairing subsequent fertility.

Keywords: angiography; early post-partum period; fertility; ovarian artery aneurysm; transcatheter arterial embolization.