Uterine artery embolisation for acute dysfunctional uterine bleeding with failed medical therapy: A novel approach to management

Abstract

A 35-year-old woman with a history of three previous caesarean sections was admitted with acute dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) complicated by anaemia; she had a haemoglobin level of 5.3 g/dL, requiring multiple blood transfusions. Investigations performed excluded pelvic pathology and haematological causes for her acute DUB. Despite the use of various pharmacological agents, her bleeding persisted and she eventually underwent uterine artery embolisation (UAE) to arrest bleeding. She was well postprocedure and was discharged on combined oral contraceptives. However, she presented a year later with another episode of acute DUB that required a repeat UAE. This case report summarises the use of UAE in the management of acute DUB following failed medical therapy.