Measurement of Uterine Leiomyomata Volume Pre and Post Uterine Artery Embolization Aided by MRI

Abstract

Background: uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is now evolving to be the first-line treatment for symptomatic uterine leiomyomata alongside the conventional surgical treatment of hysterectomy and myomectomy. Cochrane review comprises six RCTs comparing UAE versus hysterectomy or myomectomy for management of symptomatic leiomyomata where UFE had similar short and midterm outcomes, inclusive of symptomatic relief, quality of life and patient satisfaction, while benefiting from uterine preservation, shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery before resuming ordinary life activities. These benefits are in line with the minimally invasive nature of the embolization procedures. Aim of the Work: t this study aimed to review and illustrate the role of MR imaging in the pre- and post-procedural assessment for uterine fibroid patients undergoing uterine artery embolization. Patients and Methods: the current study was carried out in Radiodiagnosis Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain shams University and specialized private radiology centers during the period between April 2017 and December 2017. It included 30 patients that were referred from gynecology clinic with their ultrasonographic reports to Radiodiagnosis Department, body imaging unit with a view to carry-out pelvic MRI with contrast. Results: imaging follow-up via pelvic MRI with contrast was obtained in 30 patients at 3, 6 months after treatment. The mean uterine volume was reduced by 25% (standard deviation was SD 0.03763) 3 months after treatment and was further reduced by a mean of 30% (SD 0.02638) by six months after treatment. Post-procedural subtraction MRI revealed mean myoma enhancement to be 5.6 + 0.5 SI in contrast to 133.4 + 18.3 SI prior to UFE. The mean dominant fibroid volume reduced by 34 % (SD 0.09247) after 3 months, 44 % (SD 0.05994) after 6 months. A cumulative reduction in both uterine and dominant leiomyoma mean volume from baseline to 6 months post – UAE was evident with significant interval changes between 3, 6 months follow up (p 0.000) Conclusion: the MRI findings following UAE vary with the interval from embolization and success of the procedure. MRI with its multiplanar capabilities was typically employed to evaluate the uterus following UAE for fibroid infarction, size reduction, location change, persistent enhancement, fibroid recurrence, changes in adenomyosis, and unexpected complications that may require surgical intervention or identify women who would benefit from repeated UAE. Recommendations: further studies on a larger scale of patients are needed to confirm the results obtained by this work.