Two Case Studies on Inferior Mesenteric Artery Embolization for Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage

Abstract

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal mortality. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is an effective treatment option for PPH. Among the vessels embolized, the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is usually not the first choice for TAE, because it is a rare source of bleeding in PPH. In this report, we describe our experience with two patients with PPH, in whom the IMA was selected on the basis of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) findings, and prompt hemostasis was achieved with TAE. CECT can provide useful clues as to the culprit artery based on the anatomical location of the hematoma and extravasation. These useful findings of CECT allow prompt TAE of rare sources of bleeding in PPH, such as the IMA.