Uterine artery embolisation for IVC syndrome and severe lower extremity oedema secondary to IVC compression from massive fibroids

Abstract

A 66-year-old woman was admitted to an outside facility with leg swelling and dyspnea on exertion. Initial workup revealed severe aortic stenosis and congestive heart failure (CHF) thought to be the culprit; however, a CT performed in the emergency department revealed massive uterine mass resulting in significant inferior vena cava (IVC) compression. Her cardiac status precluded hysterectomy, due to concerns regarding intraoperative fluid shifts decreasing preload in the setting of preload dependence in severe aortic stenosis. Similarly, her degree of IVC compression was thought to make valve replacement unacceptably dangerous, so she was referred to interventional radiology for consideration of uterine artery embolisation (UAE) to relieve IVC compression. She underwent UAE without complication, and her leg swelling nearly completely resolved at follow-up.