Transient myocardial ischemia may occur following subendometrial vasopressin infiltration

A case of transient myocardial ischemia following subendometrial vasopressin infiltration in intractable intra-operative postpartum bleeding due to placenta accreta is described. In our experience, the rate of this side effect is one in 14 patients (rate of 7.1%). We believe that the benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks, since the uterus was saved in all 14 patients. Nevertheless, this case emphasises that extreme precaution is needed with subendometrial vasopressin infiltration. It should be emphasised that the needle must not be within a blood vessel because intravascular injection of vasopressin solution can precipitate acute arterial hypertension, bradycardia and even death. We suggest that local vasopressin infiltration into the placental site is indicated in cases of intractable bleeding at cesarean section after other conventional obstetric and pharmacological maneuvers have failed. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.