Embolization for massive bleeding due to spontaneous left external iliac vein rupture: report of a successful case

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous rupture of the iliac vein has rarely been reported. Its associated hypovolemic shock-related symptoms and signs, including syncope and hypotension, have been observed in most of these cases. Successful transcatheter venous embolization for massive bleeding due to spontaneous rupture of the external iliac vein was herein reported. CASE PRESENTATION: An 82-year-old female patient developed sudden left lower abdominal and back pain. Immediately, she lost consciousness and went into shock. CT images of her abdomen revealed a huge retroperitoneal hematoma, with leakage of contrast medium in the hematoma in the left flank. These findings suggested left external iliac vein rupture. Open surgery was considered; however, since the patient’s condition may have deteriorated further due to the time needed to prepare for surgery, including general anesthesia, transcatheter venous embolization of the left iliac vein was selected. A 5.2-Fr compliant balloon catheter (nominal diameter of 10 mm) was inflated at the distal site of the external iliac vein to reduce extravasation. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) was mixed with Lipiodol at a ratio of 1:2. The left Iliac vein was filled and completely embolized with the NBCA/Lipiodol mixture (total injected volume, 5 mL) using a 1.8-Fr microcatheter. After embolization, the patient quickly. An inferior vena cava filter was placed 1 day after embolization. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous rupture of the iliac vein is a very rare and lethal condition. Transcatheter venous embolization may control potentially life-threatening bleeding. Rapid bleeding control in a critical condition is facilitated by this minimally invasive approach.