Uterine necrosis after uterine artery embolization for leiomyoma

BACKGROUND: A potential complication of uterine artery embolization is diffuse uterine necrosis. CASE: A woman with a large uterine leiomyoma underwent elective uterine artery embolization and 2 months later developed diffuse uterine necrosis requiring exploratory laparotomy, total hysterectomy, and left salpingo-oophorectomy. CONCLUSION: Although elective uterine artery embolization is a procedure with a low reported rate of complications, diffuse uterine necrosis can occur. (Obstet Gynecol 2001;98:950-2. (C) 2001 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.).