# Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation: A Rare Cause of Postpartum Hemorrhage

**Authors:** Lina Ahmad Omar Alhaj, Shadan Ahmed Falih Al-Tameemi, Tania El Hamarneh

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.78730 · Cureus · 2025-02-08

## TL;DR

Uterine arteriovenous malformation is a rare but serious cause of postpartum bleeding that can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

## Contribution

This paper reports a unique case of uterine AVM following IVF and a cesarean section, linking assisted reproductive techniques to vascular changes.

## Key findings

- Uterine AVM can present as secondary postpartum hemorrhage with nonspecific symptoms.
- IVF and cesarean section may contribute to the development of uterine AVM.
- Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are critical for successful treatment and fertility preservation.

## Abstract

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare but serious cause of secondary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Although its overall prevalence in the general population remains uncertain, uterine AVM is recognized as an underdiagnosed condition due to its nonspecific symptoms and variable presentation. It poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially when presenting in the delayed postpartum period. Uterine AVM can be acquired following uterine instrumentation or trauma, leading to abnormal vascular connections within the uterine wall. This study describes a unique instance of uterine AVM identified after a cesarean section in a patient with an in vitro fertilization (IVF)-conceived pregnancy, highlighting the potential implications of assisted reproductive techniques on uterine vascular remodeling. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management ensured successful treatment, preserving the patient’s fertility and preventing severe complications.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** PPH (MESH:D006473), trauma (MESH:D014947), AVM (MESH:D001165)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11809465/full.md

## References

9 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11809465/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11809465