Uterine Vascular Malformation: A Rare Cause of Life-Threatening Postpartum Hemorrhage A Report of 2 Cases

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal death, can be caused by a variety of factors. Uterine vascular malformation (VM) can lead to life-threatening PPH. Yet due to its rarity, the condition has not been given adequate attention. Reports on the clinicopathological features of uterine VM are scarce, raising the necessity to analyze the dis ease on a pathological level. CASES: A 29-year-old woman and a 36-year-old woman both had subtotal hysterectomy due to excessive postpartum hemorrhage. The dissected uteruses underwent detailed pathological examinations and were ultimately determined to have uterine vascular malformation. CONCLUSION: Uterine vascular malformation is a rare disease which may lead to severe postpartum hemorrhage; its incidence is greatly underestimated due to the lack of awareness and experience. Early diagnosis in prenatal care is critical for the safety of patients in delivery. Uterine arterial embolism is recommended for early intervention to preserve the reproductive capacity of patients.