Corona Mortis in the Setting of Pelvic Trauma: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Corona mortis is a variant vessel located posteriorly against the superior pubic ramus, “crowning” the pelvis; actual prevalence is unknown due to broad definitions: A connection between the obturator artery and an external iliac artery branch or the external iliac artery anastomosis, or any variant vessel behind the superior pubic ramus. Rapid identification and immediate treatment of injury to an arterial corona mortis resulting from pelvic trauma or pelvic surgeries are essential as hemorrhage or death may result. Interventional radiology can selectively target corona mortis and obstruct hemorrhage through catheter-guided embolization. We present four cases of corona mortis and pelvic trauma with successful embolization and include a comprehensive literature review to further educate regarding the morbidity and potential mortality associated with this important anatomic variant.