Embolization for hemorrhage of liver metastases from choriocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Because gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is highly sensitive to chemotherapy, life-threatening hemorrhage from metastases can occur especially early after starting therapy. CASES: Two cases of post-term choriocarcinoma with liver metastases complicated by profuse life-threatening hemorrhage are reported. Emergency treatment with transcatheter angiographic embolization of the hepatic artery was performed to control bleeding. DISCUSSION: Although embolization of the iliac vessels for gynecologic malignancies, including GTD, have been described, this is the first time that embolization of the hepatic artery to control bleeding from liver metastases in GTD is reported. The use and indications for embolization are expanding, and also in acute hemorrhagic complications in GTD, this intervention should be considered.