Embolic microspheres within ovarian arterial vasculature after uterine artery embolization

BACKGROUND: Adverse events after uterine artery embolization, including hysterectomy and premature ovarian failure, are concerning for women who desire future fertility. CASE: A 39-year-old woman underwent emergency hysterectomy after uterine artery embolization embolic microspheres found within the ovarian arterial vasculature. CONCLUSION: Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine fibroids has been associated with loss of ovarian function in up to 14% of patients. This case report demonstrates that embolic microspheres injected into the uterine artery can unintentionally migrate through anastomotic channels into the ovarian arterial vasculature and potentially compromise ovarian blood flow. Hypoxic tissue injury may be the mechanism of premature ovarian failure observed after uterine artery embolization. Understanding the etiology of premature ovarian failure after uterine artery embolization might allow better patient selection. (C) 2002 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.