Uterine arteriovenous malformations: the role of intravenous ‘dual-phase’ CT angiography

The authors describe the use of dual-phase intravenous CT angiography of the pelvis in two female patients, who presented with ongoing excessive vaginal bleeding, to demonstrate large adnexal and uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Power Doppler was used as the initial modality to diagnose the AVMs. CT angiography, along with 3-D rendering in the form of maximum intensity projections and shaded surface display, were especially useful for anatomical conceptualization to the gynecologist. This greatly helped in the subsequent management in the form of therapeutic embolization in both patients by reducing the time, radiation dose, and contrast required for the procedure. Subsequent surgery, which was required in both patients (due to failed embolization), was also greatly aided by the demonstration of the exact extent of the AVMs on axial CT images. Thus, CT angiography emerged as an impressive non-invasive imaging modality for the complete evaluation and management of the uterine AVMs.