The patient, with a history of three C-sections and three abortions, was admitted to the hospital with profuse vaginal bleeding and severe hemorrhagic shock. Dr. Dang Anh Linh, Head of the Department of Endocrinology, identified the cause as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the uterine muscle, a rare but life-threatening condition.
The patient was immediately transferred for consultation at the Viet Duc Hospital's Cardiovascular Intervention Center. A digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed the diagnosis, and doctors performed embolization of the affected area. The procedure successfully stopped the bleeding, and the patient is now stable and under observation.
According to Dr. Linh, uterine AVMs can cause prolonged bleeding and pose a significant threat to life. Misdiagnosis and treatment with uterine curettage can worsen the bleeding, potentially requiring a hysterectomy. This is particularly risky for young women who still wish to have children.
"The collaboration between the two hospitals successfully controlled the life-threatening bleeding and preserved the patient's uterus," Dr. Linh said.
Uterine AVM is a rare abnormality that can cause severe, life-threatening bleeding. Ultrasound is an effective tool for diagnosis and prognosis. DSA is considered the gold standard for diagnosing AVM, and selective embolization of the affected blood vessels is an effective treatment.
Dr. Linh advises women with a history of multiple abortions, C-sections, or uterine fibroid removal to seek immediate specialized medical attention if they experience unusual vaginal bleeding. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent severe hemorrhaging, reduce the need for hysterectomies, and preserve fertility.
Le Nga
