Pelvic hematoma: The same complication with different etiology after patent foramen ovale closure.

Well-known complication associated with patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure include infection, acute cardiac tamponade, and local complications such as adjacent arterial or nerve damage, hemorrhage, and thrombophlebitis. Pelvic hematoma is rare and potentially fatal complication. This paper reports two cases of severe hemorrhagic shock within1 day after PFO closure. Both female patients presented to our department with history of headaches and were diagnosed with PFO. Both patients underwent percutaneous PFO closure from the right femoral vein. One day after the procedure, both patients experienced pelvic hematoma and were successfully rescued by compression hemostasis and uterine artery embolization. Both patients recovered well during follow-up. Life-threatening pelvic hematoma associated with PFO closure has a certain incidence and should be considered. Peripheral vascular complications after PFO closure can be safely treated but should not be ignored. We believe that the prevention of vascular mechanical damage during surgery is important. The possibility of spontaneous uterine artery rupture should be considered for unexplained pelvic hematoma. Although it is a rare complication, severe bleeding after PFO closure remains unpredictable. Timely and correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment are required. If the timing is delayed, there could be serious consequences.