Author:

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hemangioma, Uterine, Pregnancy, Case report, Review, DIFFUSE CAVERNOUS HEMANGIOMA, UTERUS, WOMAN, Female, Humans, Hysterectomy, Infant, Newborn, Postpartum Hemorrhage, Pregnancy Trimester, First, Pregnancy Trimesters, 3215 Reproductive medicine

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: Uterine hemangioma is a rare benign vascular tumor which can cause bleeding problems in various age groups. Current knowledge on this rare condition in pregnancy is limited. We report on a recent case of uterine hemangioma in a pregnancy that was already diagnosed during her first trimester. We also provide a literature review to summarize the characteristics and outcomes of uterine hemangioma cases in pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was done of all published literature up to February 2021 using PubMed and Scopus databases. The selection process was registered using the online tool Rayyan QCRI. All data was described in a narrative format. The protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021237519). RESULTS: Fifteen case reports were included. In most cases, the diagnosis was established by antenatal ultrasound. More than half of the women developed a postpartum hemorrhage, necessitating a hysterectomy for bleeding control in half of the cases, although the risk for both seemed lower in those women in whom the hemangioma was diagnosed before delivery. One case of maternal mortality and two cases of fetal death were reported. There was one case of neonatal respiratory morbidity, although the neonatal data were not routinely reported upon. CONCLUSION: Current knowledge on uterine hemangioma in pregnancy is limited, but it seems to hold substantial risks for both pregnant women and their unborn child. We recommend routine screening for this condition at the standard mid-trimester anomaly scan. Pregnant women with uterine hemangioma should ideally be cared for in centers of expertise. An international registry will help to build a better understanding of this rare pathology.