BACKGROUND:

Anomalies of placental insertion are becoming increasingly common. Prevention of blood loss with intra-aortic counterpulsation balloons is a useful option in the care of pregnant patients.

CLINICAL CASE:

38-year-old pregnant woman with a history of euthyroid delivery and no medical or surgical history. Prenatal follow-up was initiated at 17 weeks, with a delay in diagnosis due to the fact that she was still on contraceptive treatment. Trophoblastic invasion was limited to the myometrium with no evidence of invasion into adjacent organs. The patient was counseled on the potential complications to minimize the risk of massive, potentially fatal hemorrhage at delivery. As the patient did not wish to become pregnant again, a post-cesarean hysterectomy was recommended, leaving the placenta in situ.

CONCLUSIONS:

Endovascular occlusion with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation is a safe and effective option to minimize blood loss in cases of placental insertion anomalies. In addition to the classical femoral approach, the axillary route can be used with equal efficacy. The low rate of maternal complications and the safety with respect to fetal irradiation make it a reasonable option in the management of pregnant patients in whom high blood loss is expected.