Successful term pregnancy after selective arterial embolization of symptomatic arteriovenous malformation in the setting of gestational trophoblastic tumor

Background. Patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are at risk for significant vaginal hemorrhage, and are traditionally managed surgically. In the patient desiring future fertility, conservative management via selective arterial embolization is a reasonable option. Only a few cases have been previously reported of successful pregnancy after this procedure in the setting of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Case. A 31-year-old gravida 1 para 0 was treated for persistent gestational trophoblastic tumor after a complete mole in 1997. She presented with heavy vaginal bleeding, and arteriogram demonstrated a large uterine AVM. The patient underwent selective uterine artery embolization with complete resolution of bleeding, as well as arteriographic cessation of flow through the AVM. After two first-trimester spontaneous abortions, the patient successfully completed a normal pregnancy, resulting in the force ps-assisted delivery of a healthy female infant. Conclusion. Successful term pregnancy can occur after selective uterine artery embolization in women hemorrhaging from symptomatic GTD-associated AVM. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).