Persistent cornual pregnancy mimicking uterine arteriovenous malformation: a case report

Abstract

Background: Uterine arteriovenous malformation(AVM) refers to the abnormal direct traffic between uterine arteries and veins, which can be characterized by the imaging examination, showing increased uterine vascularity and arteriovenous shunting. However, similar imaging manifestations can also be seen in a variety of conditions including retained production of conception, gestational trophoblastic disease, placental polyp, and vascular neoplasm.

Case presentation: Here we present a case of a 42-year-old woman who was suspected of suffering uterine AVM indicated by Doppler sonography and magnetic resonance imaging but was finally diagnosed with a persistent ectopic pregnancy located on the right uterine corner by pathology after laparoscopy. She recovered well after surgery.

Conclusion: Uterine AVM is a rare and serious condition. In general, it presents special radiological manifestations. However, when complicated with other diseases it can also be distorting. Standardized diagnosis and management are important.

Keywords: Persistent ectopic pregnancy; Pregnancy residue; Uterine arteriovenous malformation.

Fig. 1

(a) An area with abnormally rich blood flow signals in the right region of the myometrium was about 2.2 × 1.6-cm. Another mixed echo area, 3.4 × 3.4 × 3.3-cm, was in the right uterine horn. (b) Spectral waveform demonstrated high velocity (50 cm/s), continuous high flow through diastole and systole, and low-resistance waveform. (c) Multiple tortuous flow voids could be seen in an obviously bulging area on the right side of the uterus

Fig. 2

The change of β-hGC(β-human chorionic gonadotropin)

Fig. 3

(a) The lesion was located on the right side of the uterus. (b) Stale dull red organize was seen inside the bulge. (c) The incision was closed in two layers using a continguous absorbable suture

Fig. 4

(a) The muscular adhesion band was in the lower-middle segment of the uterine. (b) uterine cavity