Use of intra-arterial nitroglycerin during uterine artery embolization for severe postpartum hemorrhage with uterine artery vasospasm.

OBJECTIVE

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a standard method for treating postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), although uterine artery vasospasm during UAE may lead to failure of hemostasis. Here, we report our experience with a case of PPH in which the bleeding was successfully controlled by intra-arterial administration of nitroglycerin during the second UAE.

CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old woman experienced PPH following a successful cesarean section, and a UAE was performed. However, 6 hours later, vaginal bleeding restarted; the reason for unsuccessful embolization during the first UAE was vasoconstriction due to hypovolemic shock. We performed a second UAE, but uterine bleeding continued. After intra-arterial administration of nitroglycerin, hemostasis was confirmed, and there was no reperfusion of the uterine artery. After these two UAE procedures, no recurrence of bleeding was observed.

CONCLUSION

Thus, use of intra-arterial nitroglycerin was effective for controlling uterine artery vasospasm during UAE. However, larger studies are required to confirm these findings.