Uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroids: predictive MRI features of volumetric response

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether initial fibroid volume, FIGO classifi cation, signal intensity ratio (SIR) on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) and the number of fi broids aff ect the outcome of Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) as well as report of 6-year single-center experience with UAE procedures. Medical history, UAE and MRI examinations from 75 patients from the Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Centre who underwent UAE between 2017 and 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. Results showed a negative correlation between baseline fi broid volume and volume reduction of the fi broid, with larger fi broids showing smaller volume reduction (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant diff erence between FIGO classification groups and volume reduction of the fibroids. Submucosal fi broids showed the best volume reduction compared to hybrid fi broids and subserosal fibroids. There was no signifi cant diff erence between hybrid and subserosal fi broids in volume reduction. We found no correlation between MRI SIR and the number of fibroids on UAE procedure outcomes. The present study suggests that submucosal fibroids and smaller baseline fibroid volume could be related to greater volume reduction and may be a useful prognostic factor for UAE procedure success. In conclusion, this study confi rms that UAE is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of uterine fibroids

Keywords

• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• uterine artery embolization (UAE)
• uterine fibroid