Arteriovenous malformation developing in a cesarean scar after termination of pregnancy – a case report and review of the literature

Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation

Abstract

Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a rare cause of severe uterine bleeding. Uterine traumas, such as cesarean section or abortion, are known risk factors. In this article, we present a rare case of an AVM that developed in a patient with a history of a previous cesarean section and recent abortion. In this case, we review the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of AVMs that develop in cesarean scars in light of the current literature. The patient presented with 2 months of vaginal bleeding that led to life-threatening anemia. Doppler ultrasound identified an AVM in the cesarean scar. Given the hemodynamic status of the patient, an emergency surgical intervention was performed and the AVM was successfully treated. This case highlights that AVM should be primarily considered in the differential diagnosis of severe bleeding in patients with a ”double-hit” risk, such as a cesarean section followed by subsequent uterine trauma, and that emergency surgical intervention can be life-saving.