Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Symptomatic Fibroids.
10.3348/jkrs.2005.52.6.401
- Author:
Kyung Ah KIM
1
;
Man Deuk KIM
;
Hee Jin KIM
;
Mee Hwa LEE
;
Jin Ho CHO
;
Sun Hee CHA
;
Sang Wook YOON
;
Eun Hee AHN
Author Information
1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Bundang CHA General Hospital, Pochon CHA University, Korea. mdkim@cha.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Arteries, uterine;
Arteries, therapeutic embolization;
Uterus neoplasms, therapy
- MeSH:
Analgesics;
Anti-Bacterial Agents;
Dysmenorrhea;
Female;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Hysterectomy;
Leiomyoma*;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Menorrhagia;
Polyvinyl Alcohol;
Retrospective Studies;
Uterine Artery Embolization*;
Uterine Artery*;
Uterus
- From:Journal of the Korean Radiological Society
2005;52(6):401-407
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the potential usefulness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the management of uterine leiomyoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty nine patients (mean age; 40.3 years, age range; 31-52 years) who underwent UAE for symptomatic fibroids (with menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and bulk-related symptoms) from January 2000 to December 2000 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 3.5 months (range: 1-8 months). The fibroids ranged in size from 2.0 cm to 13.2 cm with a mean size of 5.8 cm. We performed embolization using polyvinyl alcohol particles (250-710microgram). The improvement of the clinical symptoms was analyzed. Reduction of the uterine and predominant fibroid volumes was assessed using MRI. RESULTS: Symptom improvement for the menorrhagia (87.5%), dysmenorrhea (83.3%) and the bulk-related symptoms (79.2%) was reported. Complications included ovarian failure in four patients (5.8% of the total patients, mean age: 43.3 yrs) and infection in three patients (4.3% of the total patients) who underwent conservative management with intravenous antibiotics and analgesics. The volume reduction rate of the uterus and the predominant fibroids after uterine artery embolization were 36.3% and 56.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: UAE is a promising new treatment for symptomatic fibroids and may be a valuable alternative to hysterectomy.
