RESUMO
Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a potentially life-threatening condition. The vast majority of cases are acquired. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is currently the treatment of choice for symptomatic women desiring future childbearing. However, there is no consensus on the number of UAE procedures that can be performed on an individual woman. We report a case of recurrent uterine AVM and discuss the challenges in diagnosis and management. A 35-year-old multiparous woman presented with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). She had been diagnosed with uterine AVM six years ago and had undergone two previous UAE procedures. Her abdominal examination revealed a healthy Pfannensteil scar. Bimanual examination revealed a normal-sized uterus that was firm, mobile, and fornices were free. Her haemoglobin was 10.2 g/dl. Greyscale two-dimensional ultrasound revealed a normal-sized uterus with multiple hypoechoic lesions in the myometrium. Colour Doppler ultrasound showed intense vascularity with multidirectional flow in the myometrium, suggestive of uterine AVM. In view of previous failed UAE procedures, she opted for a hysterectomy. A total abdominal hysterectomy with a bilateral salpingectomy was performed. Blood loss during the procedure was greater than average, and she was transfused with a unit of packed cells. Her post-operative course was uneventful. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a uterine AVM. To conclude, the UAE is considered the treatment of choice for symptomatic women with uterine AVM desiring future childbearing. In cases of failure of UAE procedures, hysterectomy is therapeutic but may be associated with more than average blood loss.
RESUMO
A unicornuate uterus is a relatively rare Müllerian anomaly with an incidence of 2.5-13%. It may lead to various gynecological or obstetric complications, and diagnosis can often be confusing and delayed. It is associated with varying clinical presentations depending on the presence of functional endometrium, which requires immediate surgical resection on the diagnosis. We report two cases of the unicornuate uterus in young women who presented with severe progressive dysmenorrhoea. These cases highlight the challenges in diagnosing the condition by ultrasound, which was confirmed later by MRI. Both cases were managed by laparoscopic resection of the functional non-communicating uterine horn. On follow-up, both patients were found asymptomatic with normal menstrual cycles. In patients of young age who present with abdominal pain, adnexal masses of unknown origin, and severely painful periods, we should consider Müllerian duct anomalies as one of the differential diagnoses. Early and proper preoperative diagnosis of these cases is essential to prevent complications and to offer adequate treatment. Operative laparoscopy is an excellent alternative to laparotomy for their management, particularly in young unmarried girls.
