Two Cases of True Uterine Artery Aneurysms Diagnosed during Pregnancy

Abstract

We report 2 cases of true uterine artery aneurysms diagnosed during pregnancy. Both cases presented with nonspecific symptoms such as urethral obstruction, minimal vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain in the 2nd trimester. Both aneurysms were diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound. In the first case labor was induced at 37 + 4 weeks of gestation. However, due to sudden fetal distress and maternal abdominal pain, an emergency Caesarean section was performed during labor, and 3 liters of intra-peritoneal blood were encountered upon laparotomy, secondary to a ruptured uterine artery aneurysm. In the second case, an elective Caesarean section was scheduled at 38 + 3 weeks of gestation, and the delivery and postpartum period were uncomplicated. Albeit a rare condition, a uterine artery aneurysm should be among the differential diagnosis considered in pregnant women who present with pelvic and vaginal masses, vague bladder symptoms or radiating pelvic pain. The diagnosis is readily made by color Doppler imaging. Elective Caesarean section should be the preferred mode of delivery to avoid rupture of the aneurysm during labor.