Uterine artery embolization with methotrexate infusion as treatment for cesarean scar pregnancy. Case report

• Published in: Medical ultrasonography Vol. 15; no. 3; pp. 240 - 243
• Main Authors: Elito Júnior, Julio, Araujo Júnior, Edward, Martins Santana, Eduardo Félix, Szejnfeld, Denis, Helfer, Talita Micheletti, Nardozza, Luciano Marcondes Machado, Moron, Antonio Fernandes
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Romania Romanian Society of Ultrasonography in Medicine and Biology 01.09.2013
• Subjects: Abortifacient Agents - administration & dosage; Cesarean Section - adverse effects; Cicatrix - diagnostic imaging; Cicatrix - etiology; Cicatrix - therapy; Female; Humans; Methotrexate - administration & dosage; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Ectopic - diagnostic imaging; Pregnancy, Ectopic - etiology; Pregnancy, Ectopic - therapy; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Prenatal - methods; Uterine Artery Embolization - methods
• ISSN: 1844-4172; 2066-8643
• DOI: 10.11152/mu.2013.2066.153.jej1eaj2

Cesarean scar pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. It is associated with many complications, including a high risk of massive bleeding and hysterectomy under unfavorable conditions. Conservative treatment with systemic methotrexate (MTX) has been used preferentially with the aim of allowing the patient to have a reproductive future. However, cases of complex ectopic masses in a cesarean scar with guarded prognosis demand techniques that are more effective, such as uterine artery embolization (UAE) in association with intra-arterial MTX infusion. We describe the case of a 35-year-old patient in the 8th week of pregnancy who was referred to us because of genital bleeding and suspected ectopic pregnancy in the cesarean scar. After confirmation of the diagnosis, an initial attempt at systemic treatment with MTX was made. This was abandoned due to the elevation of the hepatic transaminase level. In addition, because of the complexity of the mass and the patient's desire to preserve her reproductive capacity, it was decided to perform UAE with local MTX infusion. The procedure was performed successfully and the patient's fertility was preserved.