Acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation: Management and treatment

Uterine arteriovenous malformations are rare causes of abnormal uterine bleeding during the midlife. They are congenite or acquired, characterized by an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, without an interconnecting capillary bed. A correct and prompt diagnosis is important. We present a case of acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation after a medical termination of pregnancy, successfully resolved with uterine artery embolization with multiple platinum coils. In literature this condition is a relatively rare disorder, limited to a few case reports and a small number of series, so we conduct a brief review of literature. All studies presented university setting and were performed in single institutions. All patients were symptomatic and presented with acute abnormal vaginal bleeding. Ten women had elective termination of pregnancy, 22 had a spontaneous/ missed/incomplete recent abortion. Ultrasound is the first-line diagnostic method, completed by Doppler interrogation. Hysteroscopy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful for diagnosis. Angiographic embolization is considered the gold standard to preserve reproductive ability in younger women. Our case is characterized by a punctual diagnosis and a successful treatment in few hours, the patients was dismissed from hospital after four days.