Embolization of uterine arteriovenous malformations in patients with gestational trophoblastic tumors: a review of patients at Charing Cross Hospital, 2000-2009.

OBJECTIVE

To review the indications, efficacy and follow-up for gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) patients treated for uterine arteriovenous vascular malformations (AVMs) and bleeding vaginal metastases with modern polyvinyl alcohol particle (PVA)-based radiological embolization.

STUDY

DESIGN

GTT patients undergoing embolization were identified from the Charing Cross Hospital database. The patients' records were assessed for indication, technique used, primary and overall success in controlling bleeding, complications and subsequent pregnancy outcome.

RESULTS

During the period 2000-2009, 19 patients were treated for persistent or life-threatening bleeding by PVA-based uterine artery embolization performed via the femoral artery approach. Embolization resulted in control of hemorrhage in 18 of the 19 patients; 15 achieved control after the first procedure, with only 4 patients requiring a second procedure. In 1 case surgical intervention was required to control bleeding. The most frequent morbidity from the procedure was pelvic pain, requiring opiate administration; there were no other regular complications. The fertility outcome for these 19 patients indicates that 9 women have gone on to deliver a total of 12 healthy infants postembolization.

CONCLUSION

For GTT patients with heavy bleeding from AVMs, uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective treatment with low short-term toxicity and no obvious detrimental effect on future fertility.