Uterine Artery Embolization: Complications

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is increasingly performed as a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomies and myomectomies in women with leiomyomas. As with any procedure, there are associated complications which include:

1. Fibroid passage: usually 3-6 months after procedure
2. Pulmonary embolus: most common cause of death after UAE
3. Deep venous thrombus: usually involving pelvic veins
4. Infectious disease: endometritis (most common), pelvic inflammatory disease, pyometria
5. Inadvertent embolization of adjacent organs or of a malignant leiomyosarcoma
6. Ovarian dysfunction due to inadvertent embolization of the ovarian artery

REFERENCES
Kandarpa K and Machan L. Handbook of Interventional Radiologic Procedures. 4th ed.

Kitamura Y, Ascher SM, Cooper C, et al. Imaging manifestations of complications associated with uterine artery embolization. Radiographics 2005;25:S119-32.