Imaging spectrum of acquired uterine vascular abnormalities with angiographic correlates, a pictorial review

Abstract

Background

Acquired uterine arterial anomalies, including uterine artery pseudoaneurysms (UAP), arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and arteriovenous fistulae (AFVs), are rare presenting causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. Timely diagnosis is essential for safe and effective treatment, avoiding life-threatening haemorrhage resulting from erroneous uterine curettage due to misdiagnosing these as other more common differentials.

Main text

This pictorial review discusses the ultrasound (USG), CT and MRI features of various acquired uterine vascular abnormalities with angiographic correlates.

Conclusion

Acquired uterine arteriovenous injuries are a fundamental cause of dysfunctional intractable bleeding recalcitrant to traditional conservative management. Endovascular transcatheter uterine artery embolisation is an increasingly popular and safe mode of treatment, especially in young patients desiring to have the option of future pregnancies, with lesser morbidity and in-hospital stay duration.

Background

The uterus is a richly supplied vascular organ having the uterine artery as its main arterial supply. The ascending branch of uterine artery further gives off arcuate branches, which surround and circumferentially supply the outer and central segments of the myometrium. Radial branches then take off to course through the remaining myometrium inwards to form spiral and basal arteries which supply the endometrium. In its superior course, the ascending branch anastomoses with the branches of ovarian artery. The venous supply to the uterus follows analogously [1].

It is not uncommon to see pelvic vascular lesions in females of reproductive age. Repetitive iatrogenic stresses like caesarian section and therapeutic dilatation and curettage make this population even more at risk for developing these vascular anomalies. Many women of childbearing age develop post-partum haemorrhage, a known cause of maternal morbidity in developing countries [2, 3]. Primarily, the retained products of conception, endometritis or molar pregnancy are the responsible etiologies [2]. Occasionally, uterine vascular abnormalities like AVMs or pseudoaneurysms are also blameworthy for heavy menstrual bleeding [4, 5]. Although rare, the incidence of uterine vascular lesions like arteriovenous malformations and pseudoaneurysms has been reported quite a few times in the literature, likely due to increased awareness of these pathological injuries and expert diagnostic imaging modalities gynaecologists previously neglected. Attention to the clinical and surgical history with lab profile enables one to narrow down the differential list before instigating appropriate diagnostic imaging and planning a management course. Retained products of conception (RPOCs) and gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) are considerable differentials that may be isolated if there is a history of elevated serum B hCG levels [5, 6]. In that case, acquired uterine vascular abnormalities can be confidently excluded. This pictorial review discusses the ultrasound, CT and MRI features of various acquired uterine vascular abnormalities with angiographic correlations.

Main text

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysms

A defect in the arterial wall due to inadequate sealing during surgery /intervention with resultant blood-filled sac contained within the adventitia or surrounding perivascular soft tissue is called a pseudoaneurysm. Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) is a rare disorder that often occurs after traumatic delivery or traumatic pregnancy termination, including caesarean section or dilatation and curettage [1]. It can also happen after gynaecological interventions, such as myomectomy, hysteroscopy, ovarian puncture or cystectomies [2]. UAPs can present with severe pelvic pain manifesting as one of the causes of post-partum or post-abortion haemorrhage, usually diagnosed after rupture [2, 3]. Colour Doppler USG shows the typical Ying yang appearance in a vascular structure with a narrow neck connecting to the adjacent vessel [3, 4]. Post-contrast CT or MRI in addition to contrast-filled sac may show surrounding pelvic collateralisation [4] (Fig. 1). Urgent treatment is advocated due to the risk of spontaneous rupture or rapid expansion [2].

Fig. 1

Pseudoaneurysm in a 28-year-old female. The patient had intermittent vaginal bleeding after D&C for spontaneous abortion one month earlier. A, B Post-contrast MRI T1 fat sat images, show tortuous uterine arteries (white arrows) with a focal enhancing nodule in the right uterine artery at its division with arcuate arteries (yellow arrow). (C) Selective arteriogram of the right uterine artery showed a large pseudoaneurysm (black arrow) embolised with PVA particles. Due to persistent tiny residual collaterals along pseudoaneurysm, the left uterine artery was also embolised using coils (yellow arrow), PVA particles and gel foam slurry

Uterine artery arteriovenous malformations

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is multiple abnormal communications between the arteries and veins without intervening capillary bed [5]. Uterine AVM is a rare disorder that can be either congenital or acquired (Figs. 2 and 3). Congenital uterine AVMs develop due to defect during embryologic growth with abnormal vascular connections [5, 6]. The acquired uterine AVM likely occurs due to uterine trauma, such as dilatation and curettage or caesarean delivery. It can also be associated with neoplastic disorders, including gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) and endometrial adenocarcinoma [7]. Although it is an uncommon entity, it can result in menorrhagia, recurrent abortions and uterine bleeding leading to life-threatening haemorrhaging, which may require blood transfusion [5, 6]. On grey-scale USG, a bulky uterus may be seen with either a mass or conglomerate of anechoic serpiginous structures, which demonstrate colour filling on Doppler USG, multidirectional high-velocity flow with colour aliasing [8]. CT angiography shows the tangle of vessels with the location, involved vessels and relationship to adjacent structures [7]. Post-contrast dynamic MRI provides the exact extent of the lesion with endometrial/ myometrial involvement [7, 8]. Timely diagnosis is vital to prevent complications.

Fig. 2

Acquired uterine AVM in a 31-year-old female. The patient had heaving vaginal bleeding after spontaneous abortion followed by D&C for two months. A Longitudinal grey-scale US image shows a cystic lesion in the wall of the lower uterus which shows vascularity on Doppler and has varying colours (yellow arrow). Trace fluid is also seen in the cul de sac. B, C Dynamic post-contrast MRI sagittal and coronal sequences show a large tortuous AVM with early draining veins in the lower uterine anterior myometrium (white and blue arrows). D Aortopelvic angiogram shows a large high flow AVM (yellow arrow) in the uterus with early draining veins into the left internal iliac and dilated left ovarian vein into IVC. E Successful left uterine artery histoacryl glue mixed with lipoidol embolisation with satisfactory flow stasis in the AVM

Fig. 3

Uterine AVM in a 28-year-old. The patient had therapeutic D&C for molar pregnancy, after which she developed invasive GTD followed by methotrexate treatment. She came to us with persistent intermittent vaginal bleeding for one month. The serum B hCG test was negative at the time of presentation. A, B The post-contrast arterial phase image of CT angiogram shows a large dilated tuft of vessels within the posterior aspect of the endometrial canal with extensive myometrial collaterals, suggestive of AVM with nidus within the endometrium (yellow arrow). C, D Angiogram revealed multiple dilated tortuous uterine arterial branches with aneurysmal areas and early filling of veins on both sides (black arrow). E Bilateral uterine artery embolisation was performed with histoacryl glue mixed with lipiodol (blue arrow), followed by satisfactory flow stasis

Uterine artery arteriovenous fistulas

An arteriovenous fistula is a single abnormal direct communication between an artery and a vein [8]. Uterine arteriovenous fistule (AVF) is rare, with fewer cases reported in the literature but a potentially life-threatening condition [6, 8]. There is no unified consensus regarding the term, and while some describe it separately from AVMs [8], other authors described both as a single entity under the umbrella term AVM or AVM/AVF [5, 9, 10]. These do not have an extrauterine vascular supply or the presence of an intervening capillary network/nidus [8]. Generally, AVFs are post-traumatic/intervention and do not form congenitally [10]. On colour Doppler, AVFs have a high/low resistance arterial waveform and turbulent arterialised venous blood flow with colour aliasing [7]. CT and MRI (Fig. 4) show AVF when early contrast fills the culprit venous vessel on the arterial phase [8].

Fig. 4

Uterine AVF in a 28-year-old female. The patient had intermittent vaginal bleeding after D&C for spontaneous miscarriage three months earlier. A Post-contrast MRI image showed a tortuous enhancing vessel projecting into the myometrium with distended endometrial canal. B Doppler ultrasound images demonstrates aliasing of colour flow in the same area as seen in MRI. C Selective right uterine arteriogram showed large AVF in uterine body supplied by the right uterine artery (yellow arrow). D Embolisation was done with histoacryl glue mixed with lipiodol (black arrow). E Follow-up transvaginal USG examination showed complete resolution of the lesion

The combination of any of these vascular abnormalities are even more rare however, may be found coincidingly in the same patient as illustrated (Figs. 5 and 6).

Fig. 5

Acquired pseudoaneurysm and AVM in a 32-year-old. The patient had massive vaginal bleeding after therapeutic D&C for GTC four weeks earlier. A, B Post-IV contrast CT angiogram image arterial phase showing mildly bulky uterus with partially thrombosed right uterine artery pseudoaneurysm abutting slightly widened scar site in the lower uterine segment (white arrow), with early venous drainage suggesting AVM. C Right internal iliac arteriogram redemonstrated a large narrow neck right uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (yellow arrow) measuring 35 × 30 mm with a neck of 2.5 mm. Adjacent arteriovenous shunting with the branches of the right uterine artery suggesting concurrent AVM, was also noted. D Post-embolisation image (performed with the combination of PVA particles and micro-coils (black arrow) since distal/efferent branch could not be selectively cannulated) showed flow stasis without any antegrade or retrograde filling

Fig. 6

Acquired uterine AVM and pseudoaneurysm in a 30-year-old. She had a history of previous two caesarian sections, therapeutic D&C for GTC and presented with heavy vaginal bleeding for two months. A Dynamic post-contrast MRI, saggital image shows an abnormal signal area in the lower uterine body (white arrow) B same area in axial section shows a multiple abnormal flow voids over the uterine surface and a large vessel reaching up to the above described abnormal signal area (yellow arrow). C The pelvic arteriogram showed an AVM in the lower uterine body supplied by the left ovarian artery and bilateral uterine arteries. In addition, a 2 cm pseudoaneurysm of the left ovarian artery (red arrow) is also seen. D Successful PVA embolisation of vascular malformation and pseudoaneurysm in the uterus supplied by left ovarian and bilateral uterine arteries

Imaging tools

Historically, these vascular malformations could only be accurately diagnosed on laparoscopic examination or histopathological analysis of the uterus after hysterectomy [6]. However, now we have access to multiple modalities which can be made use of to locate, determine the size, flow characteristics and relationship to adjacent structures of these vascular abnormalities before making use of a scalpel.

Doppler ultrasound

Ultrasound is an indispensable and inexpensive imaging aid that is readily available and can accurately diagnose uterine AVMs, AVFs or UAPs [5, 7]. Colour Doppler and spectral analysis provide real-time arterial and venous flow dynamics within these vascular abnormalities and help differentiate between probable differential diagnoses of retained products of conception (RPOCs) in these cases [5, 9, 10]. It also provides rapid assessment, especially by the bedside of patients who may not be haemodynamically stable enough to undergo CT or MRI (Figs. 2 and 4).

CT angiography

CT angiography with triple phases (arterial, venous and delay) is helpful in the evaluation of these acquired uterine vascular abnormalities and provides adequate information about the enhancement pattern, locality, possible involved vessels with vascular anatomy [11]. In the case of pseudoaneurysms, it can accurately give the size of the sac and the width of its neck, essential information for the interventional Radiologist for selecting appropriate coils and embolisation agents (Figs. 3 and 5). It is also possible to diagnose active bleeding by contrast extravasation of contrast pooling seen on delayed phase images [6, 12]. Though ionising radiation slightly reduces its merit, CT angiography is unquestionably invaluable for emergency diagnosis, rule out an active bleed and decide on the patient’s management plan.

MRI with angiography

Dynamic MRI is a superior imaging modality for the characterisation of vascular abnormalities because of its exceptional contrast resolution, lack of ionising radiation and usefulness in assessing flow dynamics [11]. It also provides a better field of view regarding soft tissue and deep visceral details, which may not be well visualised by CT or ultrasound due to confounding factors (lack of tissue contrast on CT or bowel gas on ultrasound). MR angiography adds on the vascular anatomical details with an excellent depiction of vascular haemodynamics by clearly delineating arterial inflow from venous drainage and providing information about early venous shunting for appropriate intervention planning [9, 13] (Figs. 1 and 6). At the same time, MRI can ensure expert visualisation of local pelvic organs and exclude the presence of other pathologies simultaneously.

Endovascular techniques and embolisation agents

While digital subtraction angiography remains the gold standard in diagnosing vascular abnormalities, its use is always in conjunction with other diagnostic modalities and is limited to cases requiring definite treatment by endovascular embolisation [13]. It provides excellent details regarding arterial supply to the AVM/AVF, whether unilateral or bilateral, the nidus’s size and the draining vein’s location [2, 6]. Early venous shunting into endometrial/myometrial veins can also be expertly identified in cases of AVM/AVF. It also helps locate any collateral vessels, eliminating the risk of procedure’s technical and clinical failure. Transcatheter embolisation is an increasingly popular minimally invasive form of treatment for these acquired vascular abnormalities with the advantage of fertility preservation [14, 15]. It can be super selective, targeting only the arterial feeders involved, i.e. single uterine artery, which successfully eradicates the blood supply to the AVM or UAP, conserving the chance to conceive in the future [14]. Gel foam, PVA particles, histoacryl glue mixed with lipiodol are the most used agents with coils reserved for the case where there is a risk of shunting embolisation particles into the systemic circulation, or the size of the target vessel is large [16, 17].

Follow-up imaging

Although no specific imaging modality has been endorsed to follow the acquired vascular abnormalities after successful embolisation, it depends entirely on the primary physician. However, Doppler and grey-scale ultrasound seems a sound choice given its role in the assessment of female pelvic organs (Fig. 4) [7, 8]. Similarly, in more complex cases, MRI angiography is superior in depicting the treated vascular abnormality’s size, establishing any residual flow to the lesion and possible culprit vessel [11].

Conclusion

Acquired uterine arteriovenous injuries are a fundamental cause of dysfunctional intractable bleeding recalcitrant to traditional conservative management. In post-partum patients or those who underwent intervention after miscarriage, extreme precaution needs to be taken in diagnosing these vascular abnormalities keeping RPOCs or GTD as differential, which, although more prevalent, will change the entire treatment stance. Endovascular transcatheter uterine artery embolisation is an increasingly popular and safe mode of treatment, especially in young patients desiring to have the option of future pregnancies, with lesser morbidity and in-hospital stay duration.