Early Ultrasonographic Findings after a Uterine Fibroid Embolization: The Value of Differentiate from Procedure-Related Uterine Infection

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the early ultrasonographic (US) findings from the uterus and myoma after a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Materials and Methods: From March 2004 to January 2006, eleven patients (27-48 years, mean: 37 years) with UFE to treat symptomatic uterine myoma, were retrospectively reviewed. A serial follow up gray-scale and color Doppler US were performed from one day to two weeks following a UFE. The US findings were evaluated for the presence and distribution pattern of air, time of air loss, and presence of fluid collection in the uterine cavity and color Doppler (SD Comment: Doppler is name. Should perhaps be upper case) signal. Results: Numerous high echoes with reverberation artifacts (which suggest air), were observed within the myoma (in all cases), one day after UFE. A branching linear echo pattern was observed in 4 cases (36%), whereas scattered echoes were observed in 7 cases (64%). Progressive loss of air, within 7 days of a UFE, was observed in 9 cases (82%), whereas 2 cases (12%) were observed within 14 days of a UFE. Abnormal fluid collection in the uterine cavity and a color Doppler signal within the myoma was not observed for all cases. Conclusion: Branching or scattered echoes (suggesting air), are normally found within the myoma after a UFE, but these echoes disappeared within 2 weeks. These early US findings can be useful in differentiating from myoma infections after a UFE.