J Korean Soc Radiol.  2016 May;74(5):339-343. 10.3348/jksr.2016.74.5.339.

Aberrant Ovarian Artery Originating from the Iliolumbar Artery: A Case Report

• Lee JE
• Lee JM

• KMID: 2164832
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2016.74.5.339

Abstract

Here, we report a case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with primary postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony. She received uterine artery embolization (UAE). During left internal iliac arteriography, an aberrant left ovarian artery originating from the left iliolumbar artery was visualized. The aberrant left ovarian artery was connected to the left uterine artery via prominent collateral vessels. It supplied a significant amount of blood to the fundus of the uterus. Bilateral hypertrophied uterine arteries were embolized very carefully so that the embolic material did not reflux into the aberrant left ovarian artery. After the procedure, her vaginal bleeding was successfully controlled. Accurate understanding of anatomical variations of the ovarian artery is essential to avoid failure in controlling postpartum hemorrhage with UAE.

MeSH Terms

Adult
Angiography
Arteries*
Female
Humans
Ovary
Postpartum Hemorrhage
Uterine Artery
Uterine Artery Embolization
Uterine Hemorrhage
Uterine Inertia
Uterus

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Left internal iliac arteriogram shows hypertrophied left uterine arteries (black arrows) and an aberrant left ovarian artery originating from the left iliolumbar artery (white arrow) (A). This aberrant ovarian artery (white arrows) shows communication (open arrow) with hypertrophied left uterine arteries (black arrows) and provides prominent blood supply to the uterine fundus (B). There is no definite extravasation of contrast material into the uterine cavity in this arteriogram.

• 

  Fig. 2 Selective angiography of the aberrant left ovarian artery (black arrows). Left ovarian staining is demonstrated (white arrow) without visualization of the uterine artery branch.

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