Differential diagnosis of uterine vascular anomalies:Uterine pseudoaneurysm as a cause of massive hemorrhage

In this article,we comment on the paper by Kakinuma et al published recently.We focus specifically on the diagnosis of uterine pseudoaneurysm,but we also review other uterine vascular anomalies that may be the cause of life-threating hemorrhage and the different causes of uterine pseudoaneurysms.Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is a complication of both surgical gynecological and nontraumatic procedures.Massive hemorrhage is the consequence of the rupture of the pseudoaneurysm.Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm can develop after obstetric or gynecological procedures,being the most frequent after cesarean or vaginal deliveries,curettage and even during pregnancy.However,there are several cases described unrelated to pregnancy,such as after conization,hysteroscopic surgery or laparoscopic myomectomy.Hemorrhage is the clinical manifestation and it can be life-threatening so suspicion of this vascular lesion is essential for early diagnosis and treatment.However,there are other uterine vascular anomalies that may be the cause of severe hemorrhage,which must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis.Computed tomography angiography and embolization is supposed to be the first therapeutic option in most of them.

Fatal risk in hysteroscopic surgery that should not be overlooked:Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm

This article provides a detailed account of the diagnosis and treatment of a case involving a uterine artery pseudoaneurysm(UAP),as well as an analysis of UAP etiology.This finding emphasizes that UAP should be considered in patients presenting with abnormal genital bleeding after hysteroscopy and offers valuable insights and lessons for gynecologists in hysteroscopic procedures.The patient underwent timely relevant examinations to confirm the diagnosis,allowing for crucial time required for her treatment.In this study,the primary cause of UAP formation in the patient was attributed to a prior hysteroscopic surgical procedure conducted at another medical facility,suggesting that the selection and imple-mentation of dilatation catheters are some of the predisposing factors for UAP.In conclusion,this case study offers a comprehensive analysis of the etiology of UAP and effectively provides timely diagnosis and treatment,offering valuable in-sights for the clinical diagnosis and management of UAP.

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm caused by hysteroscopic surgery: A case report

BACKGROUND We report a case of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm(UAP)occurrence during hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy and its treatment via uterine artery embolization(UAE).CASE SUMMARY A 48-year-old primigravid,primiparous patient was incidentally found to have an endometrial polyp during a health checkup,and underwent a hysteroscopic polypectomy at another hospital.Her cervix was dilated with a Laminken-R®device.After the Laminken-R®was withdrawn,a large amount of genital bleeding was observed.This bleeding persisted after the hysteroscopic polypectomy,and,as hemostasis became impossible,the patient was transferred to our hospital by ambulance.On arrival,transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a 3-cm hypoechoic mass with a swirling internal pulse on the right side of the uterus,and color Doppler ultrasonography showed feeder vessels penetrating the mass.Pelvic contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)confirmed the presence of a mass at this site,and vascular proliferation was observed within the uterine cavity.Consequently,UAP was diagnosed,and UAE was performed.The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful,and 6 mo post-UAE,no recurrence of blood flow to the UAP was observed.CONCLUSION When abnormal genital bleeding occurs during hysteroscopic surgery,ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT can assist in the detection of early UAPs.

Effect of preoperative hyperselective uterine arterial chemoembolization on the infiltrative growth of cancer cells in locally advanced cervical cancer

Objective:To study the effect of preoperative hyperselective uterine arterial chemoembolization on the infiltrative growth of cancer cells in locally advanced cervical cancer.Methods: Patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who underwent surgical resection in Ankang Municipality Maternity and Child Care between February 2015 and October 2017 were selected and randomly divided into the observation group who received preoperative hyperselective uterine arterial chemoembolization and the control group who received routine preoperative preparation. The contents of tumor markers in serum were determined at diagnosis and 1 day before undergoing surgery;the expression levels of tumor suppressor genes and invasion genes were determined after surgical resection.Results: 1 day before undergoing surgery, serum CA125, TSGF, SCC and HE4 levels of observation group were lower than those at diagnosis whereas serum CA125, TSGF, SCC and HE4 levels of control group were not significant different from those at diagnosis;after surgical resection, RASSF2A, FHIT, eIF4E3, RIZ1, DAPK and Syk protein expression in cervical cancer lesions of observation group were significantly higher than those of control group;whereas RbAp48, Vimentin, N-cadherin, Sox2,β-catenin and MMP9 protein expression were significantly lower than those of control group.Conclusion: Preoperative hyperselective uterine arterial chemoembolization can inhibit the infiltrative growth of cancer cells in locally advanced cervical cancer.

Timely identification and treatment of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm after hysteroscopic procedures

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm(UAP)is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that can occur following hysteroscopic surgery for endometrial polyp resection.This article discusses the case study by Kakinuma et al,which highlights the successful diagnosis and treatment of UAP in a 48-year-old primiparous woman.Utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound and computed tomography(CT),the medical team was able to promptly identify the UAP and subsequently perform a uterine artery embolization to treat the condition.The study underscores the critical need for rapid diagnosis and intervention to prevent severe outcomes and provides practical clinical recommendations for managing similar cases.This article aims to expand on the study’s findings,discuss the clinical implications,and suggest future research directions to optimize the management of UAP post-hysteroscopic surgery.

Effect of uterine arterial embolization on the ovarian function in puerpera with postpartum hemorrhage

Objective:To observe the hemostatic effect of uterine arterial embolization in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage and the effect on menstruation, sex hormone level, ovarian function, and pelvic floor function.Methods:A total of 45 patients with postpartum hemorrhage who were admitted in the Department of Obstetrics of our hospital from January, 2014 to June, 2016 for uterine arterial embolization were included in the study and served as the treatment group. The postoperative menstruation recovery was recorded. The hormone levels, ovarian function, and pelvic floor function before and after treatment were recorded. A total of 42 normal puerpera were served as the control group. The menstrual status of the two groups after menstruation was compared.Results: Rapid and effective hemostasis could be obtained from patients in the treatment group after treatment with hemostasis success rate of 100%. The comparison of menstruation cycle and menstruation days after treatment between the two groups was not statistically significant. The levels of E2, P, FSH, LH and PRL, ovarian function index RI and PI, pelvic floor muscle fatigue and vaginal dynamic pressure before and after 3 and 6 months had no significant difference, and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups.Conclusions: Uterine arterial embolization in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage is effective, and has no influence on the patient's menstrual conditions, sex hormone levels, ovarian and pelvic floor functions;therefore, it is worthy of clinical application.

Impact of uterine artery embolization on ovarian function and pregnancy outcome after uterine-fibroids treatment:A prospective study

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate from smooth muscle cells of the uterus.It is the most common gynecological disorder,affecting up to 80%of women of reproductive age.Uterine fibroids can cause various symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding,pelvic pain,infertility,and pregnancy complications.The treatment options for uterine fibroids include medical therapy,surgical intervention,and minimally invasive techniques.AIM To compare ovarian function of women with uterine fibroids who did or did not undergo uterine artery embolization(UAE).METHODS This prospective cohort study enrolled 87 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who underwent UAE,and 87 women with the same symptoms who did not undergo UAE but received conservative management or other treatments.The two groups were matched for age,body mass index,parity,and baseline characteristics of uterine fibroids.The primary outcome was ovarian function that was evaluated by serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),estradiol(E2),and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),as well as ovarian reserve tests,such as antral follicle count(AFC)and ovarian volume(OV).The secondary outcome was fertility that was evaluated based on the menstrual cycle,ovulation,conception,pregnancy,and delivery.The participants were followed-up for 36 months and assessed at 1,3,6,12,24,and 36 months after treatment.RESULTS The study found that the most common minor complication of UAE was postembolization syndrome in 73.6% of women,resolving within a week.No significant differences were observed between the UAE group and the control group in serum levels of reproductive hormones(FSH,LH,E2,AMH)and ovarian reserve indicators(AFC,OV)at any point up to 36 months post-treatment.Additionally,there were no significant differences in conception,pregnancy,or delivery rates,with the average time to conception and gestational age at delivery being similar between the two groups.Birth weights were also comparable.Finally,there was no significant correlation between ovarian function,fertility indicators,and the type or amount of embolic agent used or the change in fibroids posttreatment.CONCLUSION UAE resulted in significantly positive pregnancy outcomes,no adverse events post-treatment,and is a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids that preserves ovarian function and fertility.

Relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine fetal distress

BACKGROUND By comprehensively analyzing the blood flow parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries,doctors can more accurately identify fetal intrauterine distress,as well as assess its severity,so that timely interventions can be implemented to safeguard the health and safety of the fetus.AIM To identify the relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine distress.METHODS Clinical data of pregnant women admitted between January 2021 and January 2023 were collected and divided into the observation and control groups(n=50 each),according to the presence or absence of intrauterine distress.The ultrasound hemodynamic parameters of the uterine artery(UtA),fetal middle cerebral artery(MCA),and umbilical artery(UmA)were compared with neonatal outcomes and occurrence of intrauterine distress in the two groups.RESULTS Comparison of ultrasonic hemodynamic parameters,resistance index(RI),pulsatility index(PI),and systolic maximal blood flow velocity of UmA compared to diastolic blood flow velocity(S/D),revealed higher values of fetal MCA,PI,and S/D of UmA in pregnant women with UtA compared to controls(P<0.05),while there was no difference between the two groups in terms of RI(P<0.05)The incidence of a neonatal Apgar score of 8-10 points was lower in the observation group(66.7%)than in the control group(90.0%),and neonatal weight(2675.5±27.6 g)was lower than in the control group(3117.5±31.2 g).Further,cesarean section rate was higher in the observation group(70.0%)than in the control group(11.7%),and preterm labor rate was higher in the observation group(40.0%)than in the control group(10.0%).The incidence of fetal distress,neonatal growth restriction and neonatal asphyxia were also higher in the observation group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Fetal MCA,UmA,and maternal UtA hemodynamic abnormalities all develop in pregnant women with intrauterine distress during late pregnancy,which suggests that clinical attention should be paid to them,and monitoring should be strengthened to provide guidance for clinical intervention.

Managing uterine artery pseudoaneurysm post-hysteroscopic surgery:Clinical insights and future directions

This editorial discusses the case report by Kakinuma et al,which details a rare occurrence of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm following hysteroscopic surgery.The case highlights diagnostic challenges and management strategies for this uncommon complication.The editorial explores the implications for clinical practice,emphasizing the importance of early recognition and appropriate intervention to prevent potential severe outcomes.Future research directions to increase the understanding and management of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm in similar clinical settings.

Importance of timely diagnosis and intervention in uterine artery pseudoaneurysm caused by hysteroscopic surgery

This manuscript explores the case on the occurrence of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm(UAP)during hysteroscopy endometrial polypectomy and the subsequent successful treatment via uterine artery embolization(UAE).Moreover,we focus on the management and treatment options for UAP in patients of advanced maternal age.A pseudoaneurysm is an extraluminal blood collection with a disrupted flow that communicates with the parent vessel via a defect in the arterial wall.The reported case involved a 48-year-old primiparous woman who developed a UAP after uterine polyp removal.The study enhances the understanding of UAP,a rare but potentially life-threatening condition,by providing a detailed and well-documented account of the comprehensive case presentation,effective use of medical imaging techniques for diagnosis,successful postoperative patient management following UAE,and practical clinical recommendations for clinicians managing similar cases.Overall,this study highlights the importance of considering UAP as a differential diagnosis in patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding following hysteroscopic surgery.Additionally,this manuscript recommends that clinicians with a high index of suspicion for UAP promptly request ultrasonography and computed tomography to facilitate early diagnosis.UAE is suggested as a primary treatment due to its effectiveness and safety,particularly in facilities capable of avoiding hysterectomy.

Pyomyoma as a Complication of Uterine Artery Embolization (A Case Report)

Pyomoyoma is a rare complication of Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE). This case report reflects on this condition. A 45-year-old female, a known case of adenomyosis, presented with intermittent fever and foul vaginal discharge. These symptoms occurred shortly after the patient underwent UAE for menorrhagia secondary to adenomyosis. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis aided in the diagnosis of Pyomyoma secondary to UAE. After a trial of broad spectrum antibiotics and Suction and Evacuation of the uterus had little to no help in the patient’s condition, she underwent Total Abdominal Hysterectomy in which a big, organized pus collection was removed from the uterus. Conclusion: Pyomyoma should be considered in the differentials for patients presenting with fever and vaginal discharge post UAE.

Spontaneous Paravesical and Broad Ligament Hematoma after Vaginal Delivery Had Uterine Artery Embolization after Evacuating the Hematoma

Broad ligament hematoma is typically seen during cesarean section due to rupture of branches of uterine and vaginal vessels and it’s rare to be seen post-normal vaginal delivery. Addressing puerperal hematomas postpartum presents considerable challenges for obstetric care providers. While hematomas such as those affecting the vulva, vulvovaginal region, or paravaginal area are frequently encountered, retroperitoneal hematomas are rare and notably pose a greater risk to the life of the patient. The medical literature contains scant case reports on retroperitoneal hematomas, with no consensus on a definitive treatment approach. Pelvic arterial embolization has emerged as both a sensible and increasingly preferred method for treating these hematomas recently, but its application is contingent upon the patient maintaining hemodynamic stability and the availability of a specialized interventional embolization unit. In our case, we are presenting a very rare case of a 31-year-old primigravida female with a history of in vitro fertilization pregnancy. She delivered a normal vaginal delivery at 31 weeks gestation. Unfortunately, she experienced multiple complications intrapartum, including preeclampsia and placental abruption. These complications increased her risk of developing a broad ligament hematoma.

炎性因子干扰素γ以焦亡途径影响人血管平滑肌细胞的迁移和凋亡

背景:子宫螺旋动脉重铸的顺利进行是正常妊娠的必要条件之一,血管平滑肌细胞是此过程的重要细胞。干扰素γ与妊娠早期螺旋动脉血管平滑肌细胞丢失相关,但具体机制尚未明确。目的:探讨干扰素γ通过NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD焦亡途径对血管平滑肌细胞迁移、凋亡生物学功能的影响。方法:人血管平滑肌细胞分为对照组和干扰素γ组,对照组正常培养,干扰素γ组采用10 ng/mL干扰素γ处理24 h。Transwell实验检测血管平滑肌细胞的迁移能力;荧光TUNEL实验及流式细胞术检测血管平滑肌细胞的凋亡情况;qPCR检测NLRP3和caspase-1 mRNA表达水平;Western blot检测NLRP3、caspase-1、cleaved N-terminal GSDMD蛋白表达水平。结果与结论:与对照组相比,干扰素γ组血管平滑肌细胞的迁移能力及凋亡率显著升高(P<0.05);与对照组相比,干扰素γ组血管平滑肌细胞中NLRP3和caspase-1 mRNA表达水平显著升高(P<0.05);与对照组相比,干扰素γ组血管平滑肌细胞中NLRP3、caspase-1、cleaved N-terminal GSDMD蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05)。结果表明,干扰素γ可能通过NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD焦亡途径调控血管平滑肌细胞的迁移和凋亡。

Uterine Artery Embolization for Management of Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage Associated with Placenta Accreta

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolization(UAE) in the management of primary postpartum hemorrhage associated with placenta accreta. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with placenta accreta between January 2010 and August 2014. Totally 18 women(mean age 30.8±4.2 years) of primary massive postpartum hemorrhage with diagnosis of placenta accrete received treatment of UAE after delivery. Images of DSA and medical records were reviewed. Technical success was defined as control of bleeding after embolization. The complications, control of hemorrhage and recurrent bleeding of the placenta left inside the uterus were retrospectively collected for assessment. Results All patients underwent transcatheter embolization of bilateral uterine arteries. The technical success rate of embolization was 100%. Bleeding was controlled in 17 of 18 patients(94%) during follow-up period(median 18 months, 3-31months) without further bleeding recurred. One patient with placenta percreta undertook an emergent hysterectomy along with surgical bladder repair after UAE because of persistent uterine bleeding. Eight patients had postembolization syndrome and no other complications occurred. Conclusion Uterine artery embolization is an effective and safe treatment for the management of primary postpartum massive hemorrhage associated with placenta accreta.

Application of abdominal aortic balloon occlusion followed by uterine artery embolization for the treatment of pernicious placenta previa complicated with placenta accreta during cesarean section

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of abdominal aortic balloon occlusion followed by uterine artery embolization for the treatment of pernicious placenta previa complicated with placenta accreta during cesarean section.Methods:We performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical data for 623 patients who experienced pernicious placenta previa complicated with placenta accreta and received treatment in our hospital from January 2013 to January 2019.All patients underwent abdominal aortic balloon occlusion before their cesarean section.Seventyeight patients received bilateral uterine artery embolization,and among them,placenta accreta was found at the opening of the cervix in 13 patients.Due to suturing difficulty after the removal of the placenta,gauze packing was used to temporarily compress the hemorrhage.As soon as the uterus was sutured,emergent bilateral uterine artery embolization was performed.Active bleeding was noted in the remaining 65 patients when the lower part of the uterus was pressed after the placenta was removed and the uterus was sutured,therefor,bilateral uterine artery embolization was performed urgently.Results:Of the 623 patients,545 patients underwent only abdominal aortic balloon occlusion and 78 patients underwent additional emergent bilateral uterine artery embolization due to hemorrhaging during or after their cesarean section.No hysterectomies were performed.In the 78 patients,the amount of bleeding was 800-3,200 ml with an average of 1,650 ml during the operation;the volume of blood transfused was 360-1,750 ml(average:960 ml).The fetal fluoroscopy time was 3–8 s(average:5 s).The dose of radiation exposure was(4.2±2.9) m Gy.Fetal appearance,pulse,grimace,activity,and respiration(Apgar) score were normal.No serious complications were observed during or after the operation in the follow-up visits.Conclusion:For patients with pernicious placenta previa complicated with placenta accreta who experience active bleeding after cesarean section and abdominal aortic balloon occlusion,bilateral uterine artery embolization can effectively reduce blood loss and requirement of blood transfusion during the operation,and lowers the risk of hysterectomy.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization vs. surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids

Purpose: The aim of this study was to systematically review the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization(UAE) versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Materials and Methods: An electronic search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases was conducted from their inception to May 2017 for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) that assessed UAE versus surgery for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. The references of the included studies were also retrieved. Two reviewers independently screened the studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of seven RCTs involving 859 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed a shorter hospital stay and recovery time for UAE as compared to surgery. Surgery was not reported to be better for improving health-related quality of life in any of the included studies. There were no significant differences in patient satisfaction(1-2 and 5 years), and intra-procedural complications or major complications(1 year). However, the rates of minor complications(1 year) and further interventions(2 and 5 years) were significantly higher in patients who underwent UAE rather than surgery. The rates of pregnancy and live births were significantly lower among patients who underwent UAE than surgery. Conclusion: UAE is safe and effective, and has the advantages of shorter hospital stay and recovery time as compared to surgery. However, UAE has the risk of re-intervention, and lower pregnancy and live birth rates.

Visualization of utero-ovarian anastomoses: Comparison between patients with and without uterine fibroid

Purpose: To retrospectively review uteroovarian anastomosis (UOA) visualization during uterine artery embolization (UAE) in patients with or without uterine fibroids (UFs). Material and Methods: 43 patients underwent UAE for uterine fibroids (n = 23) and gynecological hemorrhage (n = 20). The frequency of angiographic visualization of UOAs was compared between the two groups and analyzed by the Fisher’s exact test. Results: Except for one patient with no right uterine artery, 85 uterine arteries were evaluated. Of these 85 uterine arteries, 23 UOA were recognized: 14 UOAs (58%) (right: 5 [21.7%], left: 9 [37.5%]) were visualized in 23 patients with UFs, and 9 UOAs (47.4%) (right: 4 [21%], left: 5 [26.3%]) were visualized in 20 patients with gynecological hemorrhage. In both groups, UOA was observed after UAE in one patient. Statistically significant difference was not observed for UOAs visualized between patients with or without UFs except a group of left UAE in patients with UFs (P = 0.036). Conclusion: The frequency of UOAs visualized during angiography was similar between patients with or without UFs. Therefore, UOA should be visualized carefully during UAE in patients with gynecological hemorrhage.

Efficacy of patient-controlled hydromorphone analgesia in those undergoing uterine fibroid artery embolization via the right radial artery

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of patient-controlled analgesia(PCA) with hydromorphone as perioperative analgesia during uterine artery embolization(UAE) via the right radial artery.Patients and methods: A total of 33 patients with uterine fibroids, who underwent UAE at the authors’ hospital between June 2021 and March 2022, were selected. Hydromorphone(10 mg) was dispensed into a 100 ml PCA pump with normal saline. Pump administration was initiated 15 min before the start of the procedure, and the intraoperative dose was adjusted according to patient pain level. A numerical rating scale was used to evaluate pain immediately after embolization, 5 min after embolization, at the end of the procedure, and 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after the procedure. Side effects were also observed.Results: Thirty-three patients underwent uterine artery embolization via the right radial artery. Patient pain was well controlled at all time points surveyed, and patients reported satisfaction with analgesia. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days. There were 7 cases of adverse reactions, but no serious side effects were observed.Conclusion: Patients reported positive experiences with arterial embolization of uterine fibroids via the right radial artery. Hydromorphone PCA effectively controlled pain. The PCA pump is easy to operate, has a low incidence of adverse reactions, and offers economic benefits at the patient and institutional levels.

Preoperative MRI Classification May Not Predict Symptom Relief after Uterine Artery Embolization in Patients with Adenomyosis

Objective:To investigate the association between magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)classification and symptom relief after uterine artery embolization(UAE)in patients with adenomyosis.Methods:Totally,73 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis who underwent UAE were retrospectively analyzed.Preoperative MRI classification was defined as:type Ⅰ,high signal on both T2-weighted images(T2WI)and T1-weighted images(T1WI);type Ⅱ,high signal only on T2WI,and type Ⅲ,high signal on neither T1WI nor T2WI.Dysmenorrhea was measured with the visual-analog scales and the degree of menorrhagia was measured according to the number of sanitary pads used in one menstrual cycle.Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were measured before UAE and 12 months after UAE.Results:The number of the type Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ cases was 23,37,and 13,respectively.The baseline characteristics of the three groups exhibited no significant difference.The alleviation rates of dysmenorrhea among type Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ cases were 73.9%,89.2%,and 84.6%,respectively(P=0.455).The alleviation rates of menorrhagia for type Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ were 69.6%,78.4%,and 92.3%,respectively(P=0.714).Conclusion:Pre-procedure MRI classification and symptom relief after UAE exhibited no significant association.UAE has a favorable mid-term control on dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia among patients with adenomyosis.Preoperative MRI classification might not indicate symptom relief.More research is needed before changing clinical practice.

Effect of selective uterine artery embolization on symptomatic uterine fibroids

Objective： To evaluate the outcomes of selective uterine artery embolization （SUAE） in treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids using Color Doppler ultrasonography （CDUS）. Methods： As the procedure SUAE for fibroids, prospective data of the initial 65 consecutive women treated from March 2007 to September 2009 were collected. The follow-up period from 1 week to 30 months, using questionnaires, we investigated the fibroid-related physical and psychological symptoms, and the cumulative rates of symptom control, gynecologic interventions, and complications. The volumes of uterine and uterine fibroids were calculated by CDUS pre- and post-SUAE for 6 months. And we tested the levels of internal hormone including FSH, LH and E2 before and after SUAE for 3, 6 months. Results： SUAE was performed successfully in all patients. There was no peri-operative morbidity in all procedures. Compared with pre-SUAE volumes of uterine [（322± 12） cm^3] and uterine fibroids [（125±46） cm^3], their volumes in post-SUAE were （144±72） cm^3 and （51 a：l 1） cm^3 （P〈0.01）, and reduction rate was 58% and 61%, respectively. At 3, 6 months after SUAE, levels of FSH, LH, and E2 were not decreased than that of in pre-SUAE （P〉0.05）. After SUAE for 24 months, the fibroids related physical and psychological symptoms such as bleeding, pain and quality of life were significantly improved （P〈0.01）. 90.8% （59/65） women had resolution of symptoms and no significant post-procedural symptoms. Parts of patients discharge necrotic fibroids. 86% （34/40） complications were minor, requiring no therapy. 9.2% （6/65） had significant post-procedural symptoms, requiring therapy in hospital or out-patient department. Conclusion： SUAE contributes to a long-term significant improvement of all investigated uterine fibroid-related symptoms and markedly improves women＇s health-related quality of life. SUAE that no impair on changes of internal hormone, under suitable conditions, represents an attractive alternative to hysterectomy for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids and is a minimally invasive, new method of good clinical prognosis. CDUS is an effective to investigate the outcome of SUAE.