Uterine Artery Embolization Procedure Research Articles

Repeat uterine artery embolization for uterine leiomyomas: Indications, strategies, and outcomes – A case report

Uterine leiomyoma is a frequent cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, especially among African Americans. It is also associated with dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, infertility, and complicated pregnancies. While hysterectomy and myomectomy are more common forms of treatment for uterine leiomyoma in the United States, uterine artery embolization (UAE) offers a uterus-preserving alternative, with lower rates of major complications, although with an increased risk of reintervention. This case study presents a 45-year-old African American female with persistent abnormal uterine bleeding post-initial UAE, underscoring the importance of strategic techniques during repeat embolization to ensure efficacy. The patient underwent a successful repeat UAE procedure, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in treating abnormal uterine bleeding while preserving fertility. In this case, the presence of collateral vessels may have contributed to the previous treatment failure. Specific procedural techniques are discussed, and long-term monitoring is recommended for optimal outcomes.

The role of VEGF and TGF-β blood levels for fibroid shrinkage, menorrhagia score, and quality of life improvement after uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroids: a study protocol.

Uterine leiomyoma is a common condition affecting women that occurs in more than 70% of females. Women with leiomyomas overall have lower quality of life and deficiency in many specific spheres of life including work-related productivity, sexuality, relationships, social-emotional health, and physical well-being that might be present even in pre-and extended throughout early postmenopausal life. Choices for symptomatic fibroid management include medical, interventional radiology procedures, surgical, and expectant management. The uterine artery embolization (UAE) procedure has gained justified popularity for myoma management. Growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor growth factor β (TGF-β), hold an important role in leiomyoma progression. However, blood levels of VEGF and TGF-β in patients before and after UAE are not fully investigated and the possible relationship with myoma shrinkage has not been evaluated. Therefore, this study aims to assess menorrhagia score and quality of life improvement after UAE for uterine fibroids and compare blood levels of VEGF and TGF-β in patients with uterine leiomyoma before and after UAE. This cross-sectional study will be performed at the University Medical Center, Astana, Kazakhstan. Women undergoing the UAE procedure for uterine leiomyoma will be involved in the study following the precisely defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Uterine leiomyoma nodules' structural changes after UAE will be assessed along with the blood levels of growth factors (VEGF and TGF-β), menorrhagia score, and quality of life. An important outcome of this project will be an investigation of the blood levels of growth factors (VEGF and TGF-β) before and after the procedure and their association with leiomyoma shrinkage in correlation with the menorrhagia score and quality of life alterations among patients undergoing UAE.

Retrospective case-control study on radiation dose for uterine artery embolization procedures.

Uterine artery embolization is performed in pre-menopausal women. Understanding the contribution of radiation dose at each stage of the procedure is important for potential dose reduction. The aim was to retrospectively analyse radiation dose on a per-procedural-stage basis, comparing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and conventional roadmap (CRM). Group A consisted of 50 patients where DSA was used for road mapping at all stages: (I) Aortogram, (II) Left internal iliac artery (IIA) DSA, (III) Left uterine artery (UA) DSA, (IV) Right IIA DSA and (V) Right UA DSA. Group B included 50 patients, where CRM was used for road mapping at stages (II) and (IV). For Group A, mean total dose-area product (DAP) was 39.7 Gy·cm2; mean DAP for each stage were (I) Aortogram = 3.4 Gy·cm2, (II) Left IIA DSA = 5.9 Gy·cm2, (III) Left UA DSA = 3.2 Gy·cm2, (IV) Right IIA DSA = 5.5 Gy·cm2 and (V) Right UA DSA = 3.0 Gy·cm2. For Group B, mean total DAP was 33.6 Gy·cm2, mean DAP for each stage were (I) Aortogram = 3.3 Gy·cm2, (II) Left IIA CRM = 1.5 Gy·cm2, (III) Left UA DSA = 3.3 Gy·cm2, (IV) Right IIA CRM = 1.5 Gy·cm2 and (V) Right UA DSA = 3.3 Gy·cm2. Fluoroscopy time was 10 and 9.4 min for Groups A and B, respectively. The highest road-mapping radiation dose contribution was from bilateral IIA DSA. The use of CRM, intermittent fluoroscopy and elimination of the aortogram is recommended to further reduce procedural radiation dose.

Application of Uterine Artery Embolization in Patients With Placenta Accreta Spectrum After Abdominal Aortic Balloon Occlusion.

To evaluate the application of different uterine artery embolization procedures under balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta in patients with Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) undergoing cesarean section. A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data from 72 patients who underwent uterine artery embolization for hemostasis during cesarean section with PAS. The patients were divided into two groups according to the embolization method used during surgery: group A (n = 43) underwent uterine artery embolization by withdrawing the balloon and inserting a Cobra catheter into the uterine artery for embolization, while group B (n = 29) underwent uterine artery embolization with a Cobra catheter inserted via contralateral puncture of the femoral artery and balloon occlusion. General information, surgical data, and postoperative recovery were compared between the 2 groups. The bleeding and transfusion volumes were lower in group B than in group A and the differences between the 2 groups were statistically significant. There were no significant differences in surgical duration, number of embolized vessels, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, or menstrual recovery between the 2 groups. For patients with PAS undergoing cesarean section, uterine artery embolization for hemostasis is preferably performed by inserting a Cobra catheter via contralateral puncture of the femoral artery under abdominal aortic balloon occlusion.

Monitored Anesthesia Care Primarily Using Dexmedetomidine Provides Safe Sedation and Analgesic Effect in Uterine Artery Embolization: A Case Report

Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) has been used as a specific anesthesia service for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures performed under local anesthesia along with sedation and analgesia. Procedures such as trans arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or uterine artery embolization (UAE) performed in interventional radiology are typically accompanied by post-embolization syndrome (PES). While in TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment, the severity of PES tends to be milder due to the liver’s dual blood supply, the degree is notably more severe in the case of UAE. Furthermore, the symptoms of PES after UAE procedure tend to follow a typical pattern. Most UAE patients do not develop pain until after the procedure has concluded. It is during the recovery period that patients frequently need significant doses of narcotics and analgesics to alleviate the pain. This report elucidates the application of MAC using dexmedetomidine in UAE, aimed to maintain adequate sedation during procedure and reduce severe pain after procedure.

Evaluation of Uterine Fibroid Vascularity Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Comparison with Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

ObjectiveTo assess uterine fibroid vascularity using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) comparing these findings with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MethodsForty women diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids scheduled for uterine artery embolization (UAE) were enrolled in this IRB-approved study. Subjects underwent CEUS examination prior to UAE using an Aplio i800 scanner (Canon Medical Systems, Tustin, CA, USA) with curvilinear array (8C1). CEUS was performed using 2.0ml of the ultrasound contrast agent, Lumason (Bracco, Milan, Italy) administered intravenously. Digital CEUS clips were acquired, randomized off-line and fibroids were characterized hyper- or hypovascular. MRI was used as reference standard for fibroid vascularity and compared to CEUS. Results were analyzed using McNemar's test. ResultsForty subjects were enrolled in the trial. One patient did not proceed with the UAE procedure and one patient refused pre-procedure MRI due to claustrophobia. Therefore, 38 subjects underwent CEUS and MRI examinations prior to UAE. Hypervascular fibroids were seen on MRI and CEUS in 24 and 26 subjects, respectively. Hypovascular fibroids were seen with MRI and CEUS in 14 and 12 subjects, respectively. Fibroids characterized as hypovascular in two subjects by MRI were characterized as hypervascular by CEUS. CEUS and MRI findings were similar in 36/38 subjects corresponding to an accuracy of 95% (p = 0.62). ConclusionCEUS can accurately assess uterine fibroid vascularity serving as a potential alternative to MRI to determine vascularity of uterine fibroids.

Complex Blood Supply Patterns in Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: Insights from Digital Subtraction Angiography Imaging.

BACKGROUND Understanding the blood supply pattern of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) can effectively help to determine the best choice of treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the blood supply pattern and outcomes of patients with CSP through digital subtraction angiography (DSA) imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of CSP. The DSA images of these patients were reviewed, including the type of blood supply, dominant vessel, and collateral blood supply to the gestational sac. The clinical outcomes were analyzed between the 2 groups. RESULTS Thirty-seven patients with type I and 29 patients with type II CSP were enrolled in this study. Type II CSP showed a higher proportion of rich blood supply than type I (44.83% vs 29.72%, P>0.05). Compared with type II CSP, type I CSP tended to have bilateral dominant blood supply predominance (67.57% vs 41.38%, P<0.05). The incidence of collateral blood supply was 5.41% in the type I CSP group and 31.03% in the type II CSP group (P<0.05). In the type II CSP group, multiple collateral blood vessels were found in 4 patients. The superior vesicle artery was the most common source of collateral blood supply in both groups. Two patients with type II CSP suffered massive bleeding during surgery after uterine artery embolization (UAE). None of the patients received a hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS UAE is safe and effective for both types of CSP. The blood supply pattern is more complex and abnormal in type II CSP. More attention should be paid to the collateral blood supply to achieve complete embolization during the UAE procedure in the case of type II CSP.

Short-term outcomes of uterine artery embolization for urgent or emergent abnormal uterine bleeding.

To evaluate the outcomes of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for patients with urgent or emergent abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Retrospective review of all patients from 1/2009-12/2020 who were treated urgently or emergentlywith UAE for AUB. Urgent and emergent cases were defined as those requiring inpatient admissions. Demographic data were collected for each patient including hospitalizations related to bleeding and length of stay (LOS) for each hospitalization. Hemostatic interventions other than UAE were collected. Hematologic data were collected before and after UAE including hemoglobin, hematocrit, and transfusion products. Data specific to the UAE procedure included complication rates, 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, embolic agent, site of embolization, radiation dose, and procedure time. 52 patients (median age: 39) underwent 54 urgent or emergent UAE procedures. The most common indications for UAE were malignancy (28.8%), post-partum hemorrhage (21.2%), fibroids (15.4%), vascular anomalies (15.4%), and post-operative bleeding (9.6%). There were no procedure-related complications. Following UAE, 44 patients (84.6%) achieved clinical success and required no additional intervention. Packed red blood cell transfusion decreased from a mean of 5.7 to 1.7 units (p < 0.0001). Fresh frozen plasma transfusion decreased from a mean of 1.8 to 0.48 units (p = 0.012). 50% of patients received a transfusion prior to UAE, while only 15.4% were transfused post-procedure (p = 0.0001). Emergent or urgent UAE is a safe and effective procedure to control AUB hemorrhage secondary to a variety of etiologies.

Comparison of image quality assessments between interventional radiographers and interventional radiologists using digital subtraction angiography.

The aim of our study was to compare the image quality assessments of vascular anatomy between interventional radiographers and interventional radiologists using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) runs acquired during an interventional radiology procedure. Visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis was used to assess image quality by comparing two groups of images, where one group consisted of procedures in which radiation dose was optimized (group A, ) and one group where dose optimization was not performed (group B, ). The radiation dose parameters were optimized based on theoretical and empirical evidence to achieve radiation dose reductions during uterine artery embolization procedures. The two observer groups comprised of interventional radiologists ( ) and interventional radiographers ( ). Each observer rated the image quality of 20 DSA runs using a five-point rating scale. The VGC analysis produced an area under the VGC curve ( ) of 0.55 for interventional radiographers ( ) and AUCVGC of 0.52 for interventional radiologists ( ). The optimization of radiation dose parameters demonstrated a reduction in kerma-area product by 35% ( , ) and reference air kerma (Ka, ) by 43% ( , ) between group A and group B. VGC analysis indicated that the image quality assessments of interventional radiographers were comparable with interventional radiologists, where a reduction in radiation dose revealed no effect on both observer groups regarding their image quality assessment of vascular anatomy.

Quality care guidelines for uterine artery embolisation in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids in Australia and New Zealand: According to the AGREE-II checklist and endorsed by the Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia.

Quality care guidelines for uterine artery embolisation in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids in Australia and New Zealand: According to the AGREE-II checklist and endorsed by the Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia.

Predictors of radiation dose for uterine artery embolisation are angiography system-dependent

This study sought to achieve radiation dose reductions for patients receiving uterine artery embolisation (UAE) by evaluating radiation dose measurements for the preceding generation (Allura) and upgraded (Azurion) angiography system. Previous UAE regression models in the literature could not be applied to this centre’s practice due to being based on different angiography systems and radiation dose predictor variables. The aims of this study were to establish whether radiation dose is reduced with the upgraded angiography system and to develop a regression model to determine predictors of radiation dose specific to the upgraded angiography system. A comparison between Group I (Allura, n = 95) and Group II (Azurion, n = 95) demonstrated a significant reduction in kerma-area product (KAP) and Ka, r (reference air kerma) by 63% (143.2 Gy cm2 vs 52.9 Gy cm2; P < 0.001, d = 0.8) and 67% (0.6 Gy vs 0.2 Gy; P < 0.001, d = 0.8), respectively. The multivariable linear regression (MLR) model identified the UAE radiation dose predictors for KAP on the upgraded angiography system as total fluoroscopy dose, Ka, r, and total uterus volume. The predictive accuracy of the MLR model was assessed using a Bland-Altman plot. The mean difference was 0.39 Gy cm2 and the limits of agreement were +28.49 and −27.71 Gy cm2, and thus illustrated no proportional bias. The resultant MLR model was considered system-dependent and validated the upgraded angiography system and its advance capabilities to significantly reduce radiation dose. Interventional radiologist and interventional radiographer familiarisation of the system’s features and the implementation of the newly established MLR model would further facilitate dose optimisation for all centres performing UAE procedures using the upgraded angiography system.

Transradial versus transfemoral arterial access in the uterine artery embolization of fibroids.

Transradial arterial access has become more popular in body interventional procedures but has not been ubiquitously adapted. This retrospective study assesses the efficacy of this approach in uterine artery embolization. Aim of the study was to compare transradial to transfemoral arterial access in patients undergoing uterine artery embolization for the treatment of fibroids. A total of 172 patients underwent uterine artery embolization procedures at our institute from October 2014 to June 2020. Of these, 76 patients had their operations performed via transfemoral access while 96 underwent transradial access. The peak radiation dose, fluoroscopy time, procedure time, total contrast volume, and equipment cost for each procedure were all reviewed to evaluate for statistical differences between the 2 groups. All cases were technically successful without major complications. The average peak skin dose was 2281 mGy,with no statistical difference between the transradial or transfemoral cohorts. Average fluoroscopy time was 25 minutes, also with no statistical difference between the subsets. Mean procedure time was 100 min, and mean contrast volume usage was 138 mL with no statistical differences. Similarly, the average equipment cost was $2204, with no significant differences found between transradial and transfemoral access. With respect to many pertinent radiation parameters, transradial access was evaluated as being an equally efficacious alternative to transfemoral access in uterine artery embolization procedures. The results of this study suggest that transradial access should be considered more often, whenever viable, as an option in the uterine artery embolization treatment of fibroids.

Uterine artery embolization with highly compressible calibrated microspheres for the treatment of uterine fibroids.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of using highly compressible calibrated microspheres in uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the treatment of uterine fibroids.Materials and MethodsThis was a prospective multicenter study. Thirty-two women with symptomatic uterine fibroids were selected for UAE between January 2019 and March 2020. The participants completed the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire, underwent contrast-enhanced pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and were submitted to anti-Müllerian hormone measurement, subsequently undergoing UAE with Embosoft microspheres. After six months, the patients again completed the UFS-QOL questionnaire and underwent pelvic MRI.ResultsThe most common symptoms were abnormal uterine bleeding (in 81.3% of the cases), pelvic pain (in 81.3%), and compression (in 46.9%). Of the 32 patients evaluated, 12 (37.5%) had anemia due to abnormal uterine bleeding. Thirty patients completed the study. Among those patients, we observed median reductions of 21.4% in uterine volume and 15.9% in dominant fibroid volume. We identified no adverse events that could be attributed to the material itself, although there were events attributed to the UAE procedure in general.ConclusionFor the treatment of uterine fibroids, UAE using Embosoft microspheres shows satisfactory results, providing reductions in uterine and dominant fibroid volumes, with a low rate of adverse events, and improving patient quality of life, as well as demonstrating safety and efficacy.

Efficacy of Uterine Artery Embolization for Treatment of Anticoagulant-Associated Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Data regarding uterine artery embolization (UAE) to specifically treat anticoagulant-associated iatrogenic abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB-I) are sparse. This manuscript aimed to quantify the effectiveness of UAE in treating this subset of patients. Retrospective case series. Academic hospital serving a large minority-majority population. Twenty-four patients with AUB-I that was provoked or aggravated by the initiation of anticoagulation therapy. Treatment of anticoagulant-associated AUB-I that failed medical management or was acute with UAE rather than inferior vena cava filter placement and hysterectomy. An imaging database search was performed to identify patients who underwent UAE for anticoagulant-associated AUB-I from May 2011 to July 2020. Medical and radiologic records were reviewed. Short- and long-term outcomes were obtained to date, ranging from 10 months to 10 years after the procedure. In total, 24 patients were identified, ranging in age from 35 to 54 (mean 44.9) years. Venous thromboembolic disease was the most common (92%) indication for anticoagulation. At presentation, 14 patients (58%) were anticipated to require lifelong anticoagulation. Most UAE procedures (54%) occurred within 10 days of anticoagulation initiation. Before UAE, 17 patients (71%) attempted and failed medical management, myomectomy, or endometrial ablation to control bleeding. After UAE, 21 patients (88%) experienced substantial improvement or resolution of AUB and continued anticoagulation therapy. Three patients (14%) did not experience improvement and were treated with hysterectomy. Amenorrhea immediately after UAE occurred in 1 patient at age 45. UAE was an effective tool in the management of anticoagulant associated AUB-I in this cohort, resulting in decreased bleeding while allowing the continuation of anticoagulation therapy, with high rates of uterine preservation and preserved menses.

Can pre-procedural MRI signal intensity ratio predict the success of uterine artery embolization in treatment of myomas?

Background/aim Magnetic resonance (MR) images, signal intensity ratios calculated using region of interests (ROI) in T2W images by proportioning the dominant myoma to iliac muscle can aid patient selection and, thus, in achieving better outcomes with the uterine artery embolization (UAE) procedure. The present study investigates the association between the success of UAE treatment with signal intensity (SI) ratio of the dominant myoma to the iliac muscle in MR imaging performed prior to the procedure.Materials and methods This is a retrospective study and included 30 patients who admitted to our clinic between February 2017 and July 2019 due to symptoms associated with myoma and who underwent MR imaging before and after UAE treatment. All patients, MR images obtained before UAE treatment and at the 12th month after the procedure were evaluated. In MRI, SI values were calculated by proportioning the dominant myoma to the iliac muscle using circular ROI in T1 weighted (W), T2W, and post-contrast T1W images. In the present study, 50% or more volumetric regression of the myoma with infarction of fibroids (loss of enhancement) at the 12-month follow-up MRI after the procedure was considered a successful procedure. Results Myoma volumes calculated in MR images showed significant differences between the MRI performed before UAE procedure and the MRI performed at the 12th month after the procedure (p < 0.0001). SI ratio calculated from pre-procedure T2W MR images was found to be a significant determinant of 50% or more volumetric regression in the myoma after UAE procedure (p = 0.017), T1W, post-contrast T1W images were not statistically significant (p = 0.211).Conclusion Our results indicate that SI ratio of the dominant myoma to the iliac muscle calculated using ROI in T2W images of MR studies performed before UAE procedure can predict the success of the procedure.

Monte Carlo evaluation of occupational exposure during uterine artery embolization.

Uterine fibroids affect women mainly of childbearing age, an alternative for the treatment of these fibroids is uterine artery embolization (UAE), a minimally invasive procedure which uses fluoroscopy, providing radiation doses often high, due to the fact that professionals remain in the room throughout the procedure. In this work, equivalent and effective doses were evaluated for the main physician, for the assistant and for the patient during the UAE procedure. Doses were calculated using computer simulation with the Monte Carlo Method, and virtual anthropomorphic phantoms, in a typical scenario of interventional radiology with field sizes of 20×20, 25×25 and 32×32cm2, tube voltages of 70, 80, 90 and 100kV, and projections of LAO45, RAO45 and PA. The results showed that the highest doses received by the professionals were for the LAO45 projection with 32×32cm2 field size and 100kV tube voltage, which is in accordance with the existing literature. The highest equivalent doses, without the protective equipment, were in the eyes, skin, breast and stomach for the main physician, and for the assistant they were in the eyes, breast, thyroid and skin. When she used the protective equipment, the highest equivalent doses for the main physician were on the skin, brain, bone marrow and bone surface, and for the assistant they were on the skin, brain, red bone marrow and bone surface. Effective doses increased up to 3186% for the main physician, and 2462% for the assistant, without protective equipment, thus showing their importance.

Abstract No. 133 Factors optimizing superior hypogastric nerve block efficiency for uterine artery embolization

Superior hypogastric nerve block (SHNB) is effective for reducing post embolization pain following uterine artery embolization (UAE). However, SHNB adds additional time to the UAE procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors affecting SHNB procedure time to optimize procedure efficiency.

A Successful Pregnancy after Laparoscopic Surgery: Severe Recurrent Pelvic Arteriovenous Malformation Managed by Laparoscopic Internal Iliac Artery Ligation

To show a case of severe pelvic arteriovenous malformation (AVM) treated by laparoscopic internal iliac artery ligation after 2 uterine artery embolization (UAE) procedures, where successful pregnancy was achieved after surgery. Stepwise demonstration of the technique with a video. Chinese PLA General Hospital. A 36-year-old woman with heavy menstrual bleeding was diagnosed with pelvic AVM by computed tomography scan. Before surgical intervention, she underwent 2 UAE procedures that temporarily reduced menstrual blood loss. Finally, we performed a laparoscopic internal iliac artery ligation on her. After the surgery, she conceived naturally. During the cesarean section, no AVMs were found. Laparoscopic internal iliac artery ligation can be a choice for patients who still have severe symptoms of AVM after UAE.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Air Kerma Area Product Obtained during Uterine Artery Embolization Procedures Using Logistic Regression.

Purpose Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a common interventional radiology procedure used in medicine; the procedure is safe but there is always a concern regarding radiation dose received by the patient. The aim of this study was to use multivariable logistic regression analysis (MLRA) to study a certain number of independent prognostic variables believed to provide an estimate of the likelihood of obtaining a high kerma area product ( P KA ) at the end of the procedure. Method Radiation dose indices registered by the angiographic system structured dose report, the total fluoroscopy time (FT), the patient’ body mass index (BMI), the number of images taken during the procedures (IMGS), and the performing physician experience (EXPER) were used to drive a logistic regression model (LRM). Results The LRM found was: Logit ( P KA ) = −6.1525 + 0.0416 (FT) + 0.1028 (IMGS) + 0.1675 (BMI) – 0.1012 (EXPER). The prediction accuracy of the LRM was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve; by calculating the area under the curve (AUC), we found AUC = 0.7896, with optimal ROC point of 0.3261, 0.8036. Conclusion The suggested LRM seems to indicate that patients with higher BMI, have taken longer FT, acquired higher IMGS and the procedure done by a less experienced performing physician is more susceptible to receive a higher P KA at the end. The proposed LRM is useful in predicting the occurrence of higher radiation exposure interventions and can be used in patients’ radiation dose optimization strategies during UAE procedures.

The Diagnostic Value of Superb Microvascular Imaging in Prediction of Uterine Artery Embolization Treatment Response in Uterine Leiomyomas.

We aimed to determine if superb microvascular imaging (SMI) can predict response to uterine artery embolization (UAE) as compared with power Doppler ultrasound. The blood flow and the volume of the dominant leiomyoma was evaluated by power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) and SMI 1 day before and 3 months after the UAE procedure. SMI and PDUS blood flow were classified to 4 grades of vascularity. The change in fibroid volume in Grades 0-2 (hypovascular group) was compared to the hypervascular Grade 3 group. Twenty-eight women (mean age, 40.9 years; range, 33-53 years) were examined with PDUS and SMI before and 3 months after UAE. The volume reduction was statistically significantly higher hypervascular group (P < .05). When we accept 30% or more volume reduction as a good response to UAE, the positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of SMI were 100, 64, 73.6, 100, and 82.1%, respectively. There was excellent agreement between the two blinded observers in SMI measurements. SMI, with its high reproducibility, provides further microvessel information than PDUS in uterine fibroids. It may be a useful tool in prediction of response to UAE treatment and improve counseling and patient selection for UAE versus medical or surgical treatment options.