Uterine artery embolization as an adjunctive measure to decrease blood loss prior to evacuating a cervical pregnancy

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2009 May;279(5):721-4. doi: 10.1007/s00404-008-0775-4. Epub 2008 Sep 13.

Abstract

Background: Cervical ectopic pregnancy accounts for less than 1% of all ectopic gestations. The most effective, fertility sparing treatment of a cervical ectopic pregnancy is still unclear due to limited reported experience.

Case: The diagnosis and management of a 32-year-old with a cervical ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer is described. The patient had multiple risk factors, including Asherman's syndrome following an abdominal myomectomy and three uterine curettages, for a cervical ectopic pregnancy. Due to her desire for future childbearing, conservative management strategies were chosen. This patient was successfully treated with uterine artery embolization followed by immediate dilation and evacuation of the pregnancy.

Conclusions: This report demonstrates that UAE followed by immediate evacuation of a cervical ectopic pregnancy effectively terminates a viable gestation with minimal blood loss while maintaining fertility capacity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced
  • Adult
  • Cervix Uteri / diagnostic imaging
  • Dilatation and Curettage
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / surgery*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Uterine Artery Embolization*