Selective vesical artery embolization for treatment of gross hematuria due to actinic cystitis

Abstract

This article describes the case of a 46-year-old female patient who had been treated with radiotherapy for cervical cancer. She developed actinic cystitis with frequent episodes of severe hematuria. She required repeated catheterization to manage urinary retention, blood transfusions and hospital admissions. Conservative measures and attempts to achieve hemostasis by cystoscopy were unsuccessful at controlling bleeding. The patient therefore underwent endovascular treatment with superselective embolization of the vesical arteries and other vascular pedicles found to be linked with the bleeding. The procedure was successful and the patient has been in follow-up for 9 months with no need for further blood transfusions or admission to hospital. According to a review of the literature, use of this technique has not previously been described in Brazil.