Diagnosis and Treatment of an Ovarian Artery Aneurysm Rupture: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

We present a rare case of a 31-year-old female, gravida 7, para 3, who presented to the emergency department 2 days following an uncomplicated vaginal delivery with complaints of abdominal pain radiating to the left flank. Multiphasic computed tomography and conventional angiography subsequently confirmed the rupture of a left ovarian artery aneurysm. The patient was treated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using microcoils and was discharged from the hospital after 2 days. A review of the English literature revealed only 44 other documented cases of ovarian artery aneurysm ruptures, with most of these cases being associated with pregnancy. Transcatheter arterial embolization has emerged as the preferred treatment for pelvic hemorrhage and is as effective as surgery, while also reducing patient complications. Spontaneous rupture of an ovarian artery aneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of multiparous postpartum women presenting clinically with hypotension or shock in the absence of another identifiable source of bleeding.

Clinical Impact

This article provides a detailed review of the pathophysiology underlying the formation and rupture of ovarian artery aneurysms, their clinical presentation, and the available treatment options, with the goal of helping physicians identify and manage this rare condition.