Clinical long-term outcome after uterine artery embolization: sustained symptom control and improvement of quality of life

Long-term re-intervention after USgHIFU and prediction of NPVR in different ages of patients with uterine fibroids

OBJECTIVE

Long-term re-intervention after ultrasound-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation was reported, and the prediction of non-perfusion volume ratio (NPVR) in differently aged patients with uterine fibroids (UFs) was explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with UFs who underwent USgHIFU ablation from January 2012 to December 2019 were enrolled and divided into < 40-year-old and ≥ 40-year-old groups. Cox regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of re-intervention rate, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the correlation between NPVR and re-intervention rate.

RESULTS

A total of 2141 patients were enrolled, and 1558 patients were successfully followed up. The 10-year cumulative re-intervention rate was 21.9%, and the < 40-year-old group had a significantly higher rate than the ≥ 40-year-old group (30.8% vs. 19.1%, p < 0.001). NPVR was an independent risk factor in both two groups. When the NPVR reached 80.5% in the < 40-year-old group and 75.5% in the ≥ 40-year-old group, the risk of long-term re-intervention was satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

The long-term outcome of USgHIFU is promising. The re-intervention rate is related to NPVR in differently aged patients. Young patients need a high NPVR to reduce re-intervention risk.

Outcome prediction for symptomatic patients with fibroids who underwent uterine artery embolization

PURPOSE

To predict the clinical outcome of symptomatic patients with uterine leiomyomas who underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE), based on clinical and radiological features.

METHODS

Patients with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas who underwent UAE from March 2010 to September 2019 were consecutively included in this retrospective study. Patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms and those who needed repeated UAE, myomectomy, or hysterectomy following the initial treatment were considered to have a poor outcome after UAE. The total and enhancing volume of the dominant leiomyoma in each location and uterine volume were obtained before and after UAE. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to evaluate the parameters that could predict poor outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 116 patients (mean age, 45 ± 5 years) were included. Forty-six patients (46/116, 39.7%) showed poor outcome. Cox regression analysis showed higher hazard of poor outcome for younger patients vs. older patients (HR: 0.92, p-value: 0.01), patients with adenomyosis vs. patients without adenomyosis (HR: 2.47, p-value < 0.01), patients with adenomyosis thickness > 2.5 cm before UAE vs. patients without adenomyosis (HR: 4.2, p-value < 0.01) and for patients with intramural fibroid enhancement volume > 440 cm3 compared to patients with no intramural fibroids (p-value: 0.06). Multivariate Cox regression analysis including age, the thickness of adenomyosis, and intramural leiomyoma volume of enhancement before UAE was chosen as the best model to predict the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment clinical and MRI features could identify patients with a higher risk for poor outcome after UAE.

Medical historical notes on myoma treatment by uterine artery embolization on the occasion of its introduction 30 years ago

BACKGROUND

 Since its development, uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids has become an established minimally invasive alternative to surgical myoma treatment. Currently, more than 25,000 myoma patients worldwide are likely to be treated with UAE annually.

METHOD

 Thirty years ago, Jacques-Henri Ravina (b. 1930) and his Paris team first performed this therapy as a "substitute" for gynecologic surgery. We contacted him as part of the preparation of the present review. In addition, we performed a literature search with the aim of summarizing the current literature and data in addition to a historical account of the development of UAE.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

 On the occasion of this anniversary, we would like to recall the interdisciplinary roots and some facets of the history of the development of this relatively young myoma treatment method.

KEY POINTS

  · UAE is an established minimally invasive alternative to surgical myoma treatment.. · UAE was first developed 30 years ago.. · UAE has continuously increased in importance in recent years..

CITATION FORMAT

· Psilopatis I, Fleckenstein FN, Gebauer B et al. Medical historical notes on myoma treatment by uterine artery embolization on the occasion of its introduction 30 years ago. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2023; 195: 890 - 895.

Care Delivery for Patients with Leiomyomas: Failures, Real-Life Experiences, Analysis of Barriers, and Proposed Restorative Remedies

In this narrative review, we describe historical and contemporary influences that prevent patients with fibroids from getting appropriate medical care. Using patient stories as examples, we highlight how misogyny on all levels hurts patients and prevents medical teams from doing their best. Importantly, inequity and disparities result in massive gaps in care delivery. We suggest that we, as gynecologists and surgeons, must join public discourse on this topic to highlight the inadequacies of care delivery and the reasons behind it, suggest potential solutions, and join patients and communities in formulating and implementing remedies.

Life Quality in Premenopausal Women after Embolization of Uterine Myomas

Objectives: Fibroids cause significant morbidity and are the most common indication for hysterectomies worldwide, delimiting a major public health problem. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an alternative therapy to surgical treatment of symptomatic fibroids; it has satisfactory long-time results and is no longer considered investigational for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids. This study was undertaken to evaluate changes in fibroid specific symptom severity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after UAE and to optimize the assessment of safety and outcomes measures for participants who receive UAE to objective compare UAE and surgical alternatives for therapy of symptomatic fibroids. Study design: The analysis was based on questionnaires completed by 270 pre-menopausal females with a mean age of 42 years (range, 38-50 years) who underwent UAE for uterine leiomyomas and/or adenomyosis from November 2013 through December 2019. Only symptomatic women were selected whose symptoms were not improving with medication and who did not wish to have children. The primary outcome measure was a change in fibroid symptoms and HRQOL (health related quality of life) after UAE. Secondary outcomes included the decrease in uterine volume after UAE. Results: Questionnaires were completed by 270 women (100%) at a mean of 12.1 months from UAE. The median follow-up period was two years. Uterine fibroid embolization led to a shrinkage at three months for the 90% of the participants. A reduction of bleeding symptoms, pain and bulk-related symptoms was observed in 89.7%, 88.9%, and 89.5% of the patients, respectively. In the long term, there was no significant difference in parameters assessed compared with the midterm follow-up findings. A total of 6 patients (2.3%) underwent fractional curettage an average of 32.1 months after intervention due to necrotic changes in submucosal fibroids. All participants continued to be satisfied with the intervention, and 240 patients (88.9%) answered that they would recommend uterine fibroid embolization to other patients. Conclusions: Women who undergo UAE have a significant decrease in symptom severity and increase in HRQOL which is associated with high levels of satisfaction with the procedure (even when subsequent therapies are pursued).

A Systematic Review of Minimally Invasive Approaches to Uterine Fibroid Treatment for Improving Quality of Life and Fibroid-Associated Symptoms

Improvement in symptom severity and quality of life (QoL) are critical concerns for women with fibroids as they evaluate treatment options. This systematic review analyzed available evidence regarding minimally invasive approaches to fibroid treatment and compared validated QoL and fibroid-associated symptom scores before and after treatment. A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus from January 1990 to July 2020. English-language publications were included if they evaluated associations between minimally invasive approaches to fibroid treatment and QoL or fibroid-associated symptoms, and they used validated questionnaires before and after treatment. QoL or fibroid-associated symptom scores were compared and summarized for each minimally invasive approach. Thirty-seven studies were ultimately included in this review: 26 evaluating individual approaches and 11 which were comparative studies of minimally invasive approaches and surgical interventions. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (USGS) significantly improved overall QoL. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) and ultrasound-guided high-intensity frequency ultrasound (US-HIFU) improved overall QoL to a similar extent as surgical interventions. Twenty-eight studies assessed fibroid-associated symptoms with the Uterine Fibroid Symptoms Quality of Life Questionnaire (UFS-QoL). UAE, magnetic resonance imaging-guided high-intensity frequency ultrasound (MR-HIFU), US-HIFU, RFA, and percutaneous microwave ablation (PMWA) significantly decreased Symptom Severity Score by a range of 21 to 39 points (out of 100) at 6 months. Minimally invasive approaches to treat fibroids were effective alternatives to surgical interventions for improving quality of life, fibroid-associated symptoms, and pain. Outcomes among minimally invasive approaches were similar, presenting patients with numerous options for fibroid treatment.

Short- and long-term evaluation of disease-specific symptoms and quality of life following uterine artery embolization of fibroids

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the management of symptomatic uterine leiomyomas regarding changes in quality of life after treatment in a large patient collective. This study retrospectively analyzed prospectively acquired standardized questionnaires of patients treated with UAE. Clinical success was evaluated before and after embolization. Patients were stratified into short- (≤ 7 months) and long-term (> 7 months) follow-up groups depending on the time of completion of the post-interventional questionnaire. Uterine leiomyomas were furthermore divided into small (< 10 cm) and large (≥ 10 cm) tumors based on the diameter of the dominant fibroid.

Results

A total of 245 patients were included into the final data analysis. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a cumulative clinical success rate of 75.8% after 70 months until the end of follow-up (9.9 years). All questionnaire subscales showed a highly significant clinical improvement from baseline to short- and long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). Patients with small fibroids showed a significantly better response to UAE in multiple subcategories of the questionnaire than patients with fibroids ≥ 10 cm who had a twofold higher probability of re-intervention in the Cox-regression model.

Conclusions

UAE is an effective treatment method for symptomatic fibroids that leads to quick relief of fibroid-related symptoms with marked improvement of quality of life and is associated with a low risk for re-interventions. Patients with small fibroids tend to show a better response to UAE compared to patients with large fibroids.

Trial registration Charité institutional review board, EA4/167/20. Registered 27 November 2020—Retrospectively registered. https://ethikkommission.charite.de/

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13244-022-01244-1.

The comparison of myomectomy, UAE and MRgFUS in the treatment of uterine fibroids: a meta analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the re-intervention rates of myomectomy, uterine artery embolization (UAE) and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) for uterine fibroids (UFs) in different follow-up time.

METHODS

Two investigators searched PubMed for clinical studies published in English from 1 Jan 2000 to 31 Dec 2020, and independently examined the paper to select qualified studies, extracted relevant information and assessed the risk of bias. Meanwhile, a meta-analysis of 31 studies containing totally 42103 patients was conducted to compare the re-intervention rate of myomectomy, UAE and MRgFUS.

RESULTS

In the meta-analysis of 42103 patients, the 12-month re-intervention rates of myomectomy, UAE and MRgFUS for UFs were 0.06 (95%CI, 0.01-0.11), 0.07 (95%CI, 0.06-0.09), and 0.12 (95%CI, 0.04-0.20) respectively. The 24-month re-intervention rates were 0.10 (95%CI, 0.04-0.16), 0.08 (95%CI, 0.01-0.17), and 0.14 (95%CI, 0.07-0.21) respectively. The 36-month re-intervention rates were 0.09 (95%CI, 0.05-0.13), 0.14 (95%CI, 0.05-0.23), and 0.22 (95%CI, 0.11-0.32) respectively. Additionally, the 60-month re-intervention rates were 0.19 (95%CI, 0.15-0.24), 0.21 (95%CI, 0.17-0.25), and 0.49 (95%CI, 0.21-0.77) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The myomectomy has the lowest re-intervention rate of the three regimens in short time and long time while the MRgFUS has the highest. The rate of MRgFUS increased rapidly in the 60th month after the treatment.

Intra-arterial lidocaine for pain control after uterine artery embolization: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy of intra-arterial lidocaine for pain control of uterine artery embolization remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of intra-arterial lidocaine versus placebo on the postoperative pain intensity of uterine artery embolization.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through April 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of intra-arterial lidocaine versus placebo on pain control of uterine artery embolization. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.

RESULTS

Three RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for uterine artery embolization, intra-arterial lidocaine was associated with substantially reduced pain scores at 4 h (SMD = -0.85; 95% CI = -1.31 to -0.38; p = .0003) and analgesic consumption (SMD = -0.84; 95% CI = -1.26 to -0.42; p < .0001), but has no obvious influence on pain scores at 7 h (SMD = -0.19; 95% CI = -0.63 to 0.25; p = .40) or pain scores at 24 h (SMD = -0.55; 95% CI = -1.25 to 0.16; p = .13).

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-arterial lidocaine is effective for pain control after uterine artery embolization.

Intra-arterial lidocaine administration during uterine fibroid embolization to reduce the immediate postoperative pain: a prospective randomized study

Background

To investigate if intra-arterial lidocaine administrated immediately after the embolisation endpoint reduces the pain.

Methods

Forty patients were randomised and 36 completed the study for purposes of analysis. In one group, the patients got 1% 10 ml lidocaine (100 mg) administered into each uterine artery immediately after embolisation with microspheres. The other group was embolised without supplementary lidocaine. The patients scored their pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS) 2 h, 4 h, 7 h, 10 h and 24 h after embolisation, and the total amount of used morphine was noted. Three-month follow-up MRI control was scheduled for all the patients to investigate the infarction rate.

Results

Embolisation was performed without any complications and with embolisation of both uterine arteries in all cases. Intra-arterial lidocaine was administered in all 20 patients without complications, and 20 patients in a control group did not receive lidocaine intra-arterial. VAS schemes showed a significant reduction in pain experience 2 h after UFE where mean pain score in the lidocaine group was 42.7 ± 21.4 compared with the control group in which the mean pain score was 61.1 ± 20.4 (p < 0.02). There was no significant difference in pain score 4 h, 7 h, 10 h and 24 h after UFE. In the lidocaine group, the mean amount of used morphine was significantly less with 11.2 mg compared with 20.2 mg in the control group (p < 0.03). Three months of MR follow-up control showed no significant difference in the grade of fibroid infarction.

Conclusion

Intra-arterial Lidocaine administration after embolisation is safe and effective in reducing post-procedural pain in the early hours and opioid usage in the first 24 h following UAE.

Feasibility of quantitative MR-perfusion imaging to monitor treatment response after uterine artery embolization (UAE) in symptomatic uterus fibroids

INTRODUCTION

In 25% of women, symptomatic uterus myomas are diagnosed with clinical and functional impairment ranging from abdominal and pelvic pain to dys- and hypermenorrhea, dyspareunia, pollakiuria and infertility. Women undergoing a treatment increasingly prefer nowadays minimal invasive, uterus preserving therapies like uterine artery embolization (UAE) over surgical hysterectomy, nowadays. To emphasize the efficacy of UAE as a uterus preserving treatment with targeted therapy of myomas only, analysis of tissue perfusion pre and post embolization is required. The purpose of this study was to assess treatment response in UAE in females with symptomatic uterus myomas by quantitative magnetic resonance perfusion imaging.

METHODS

Seven females scheduled for uterus myoma embolization underwent three MRI examinations (pre, post, follow-up) including morphological and dynamic contrast enhanced perfusion imaging at 3 T. To measure tumor volume, regions-of-interest covering the tumor and the uterus were drawn by two readers in consensus. Blood flow, blood volume, and mean transit time were calculated by a pixel-by-pixel deconvolution approach. Kruskal-Wallis/Friedman test was employed to test whether the group medians differ significantly with correction for multiple comparisons using Bonferroni method.

RESULTS

Change of volume could be observed in all patients after embolization but was significantly different only between pre/post and follow-up time point. Measured differences in all perfusion parameters were significant between pre-intervention and post-intervention/follow-up in the myomas, no significant differences could be detected for the uterus tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate devascularization of symptomatic myomas which correlates with cessation of hypermenorrhea in all treated patients without affecting healthy uterus tissue. Supplementing UAE with perfusion imaging to monitor early treatment response is feasible and might provide valuable information for the follow-up of patients and contribute to providing confidence for the patients in treatment success.

A new imaging technology to reduce the radiation dose during uterine fibroid embolization

BACKGROUND

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive imaging-guided treatment using radiation exposure.

PURPOSE

To compare the patients' radiation exposure during UFE before and after introduction of a new X-ray imaging platform.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-one patients were enrolled in a prospective, comparative two-arm project before and after introduction of a new X-ray imaging platform with reduced dose settings, i.e. novel real-time image processing techniques (AlluraClarity). Demographic, pre-interventional imaging, and procedural data, including dose area product (DAP) and estimated organ dose on the ovaries and uterus, were recorded and angiographic quality of overall procedure was assessed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics and preoperative fibroid and uterine volumes in the two groups. The new imaging platform led to a significant reduction in mean total DAP (102 vs. 438 Gy.cm²; P < 0.001), mean fluoroscopy DAP (32 vs. 138 Gy.cm²; P < 0.001), mean acquisition DAP (70 vs. 300 Gy.cm²; P < 0.001), and acquisition DAP estimated organ dose in ovaries (42 vs. 118 mGy; P < 0.001) and uterus (40 vs. 118 mGy, P < 0.001), without impairment of the procedure and angiographic image quality.

CONCLUSION

A substantial 77% reduction of DAP values and 64% and 66% reduction in organ dose on ovaries and uterus, respectively, was demonstrated with the new imaging platform, while maintaining optimal imaging quality and efficacy.

Five-year clinical outcomes of uterine artery embolization for symptomatic leiomyomas: An analysis of risk factors for reintervention

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to investigate the five-year reintervention rate of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic leiomyomas and to identify potential predictive factors of reintervention.

METHODS

From March 2011 to February 2012, 92 consecutive women (mean age 41.9 years, range 28-55 years) underwent bilateral UAE. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at three-month follow-up. After annual follow-up, a survey on clinical outcome and reintervention incidences was performed at five-year follow-up. Potential predictive factors of reintervention were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 67 patients, menorrhagia and/or bulk-related symptoms were resolved after UAE in all but one patient (98.5%). At median follow-up of 60 months (range, 5-60 months), reintervention rate was 10.4%, with seven reintervention cases (five myomectomy and two hysterectomy cases). Complete (100%) or near complete (90-99%) infarction rate of the dominant leiomyoma was 96.4% (54 of 56). Independent factors of reintervention on multivariate logistics regression analysis included near complete or partial (<90%) infarction of the dominant leiomyoma (odds ratio [OR] 22.238; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.405-205.620; p = 0.006), as well as the presence of non-dominant viable leiomyomas (OR 12.134; 95% CI 1.213-121.409; p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

UAE provides excellent and sustained symptom improvement of symptomatic leiomyomas with a low reintervention rate at five-year follow-up. In addition to near complete or partial infarction of the dominant leiomyoma on follow-up MRI, the presence of viable non-dominant leiomyomas indicates a higher risk of reintervention.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Uterine Leiomyomas

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are the most common benign tumor in women of reproductive age. When symptomatic, these patients can present with bleeding and/or bulk-related symptoms. Treatment options for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas include medical management, minimally invasive treatment such as uterine artery embolization, and surgical options, such as myomectomy. It is important to understand the role of these treatment options in various clinical scenarios so that appropriate consultation is performed. Furthermore, patients should be presented with the outcomes and complications of each of these treatment options. A summary of the data and clinical trials of the treatment options for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas is outlined in this article. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Development of a Model for the Prediction of Treatment Response of Uterine Leiomyomas after Uterine Artery Embolization

Background: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is one of the minimally-invasive alternatives to hysterectomy for treatment of uterine leiomyomas. There are various factors affecting the outcomes of UAE, but these have only been sporadically studied. Study Objective: To identify factors associated with the efficacy of UAE for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma, and to develop a model for the prediction of treatment response of uterine leiomyomas to UAE. Study design: A retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2) Patients: One hundred ninety-eight patients with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Intervention: UAE Measurements and Main Results: Among 198 leiomyoma patients who were treated with UAE, 104 who underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted imaging were selected for developing prediction model. Variables that were statistically significant from the univariate analysis were: location of leiomyoma, total number of lesions, sum of leiomyomas diameters, T2 signal intensity of largest leiomyoma, and T2 leiomyoma:muscle ratio. After a logistic regression analysis, leiomyoma location and T2 signal intensity of the largest leiomyoma were found to be statistically significant variables. Using intramural myomas defined as controls, submucosal leiomyomas showed a greater response to UAE with an odds ratio of 7.6904. The odds ratio of T2 signal intensity with an increase in signal intensity of 10 was 1.093. Using these two variables, we developed a prediction model. The AUC in the prediction model was 0.833, and the AUC in the validation set was 0.791. Conclusion: We identified that submucosal leiomyomas and those leiomyomas that show high signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging will exhibit a greater response to UAE. Prediction models are clinically helpful in selecting UAE as an appropriate treatment option for managing uterine leiomyoma.

First Versus Second Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Leiomyoma

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of second uterine artery embolization (UAE) with those of first UAE for symptomatic uterine leiomyoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-institution retrospective study, between December 1997 and May 2016 first UAE was performed on 423 consecutively registered patients and second UAE on 11 consecutively registered patients to treat leiomyoma. The primary endpoint was infarction of all tumor tissue as seen at postprocedural contrast-enhanced MRI. The secondary endpoints were angiographic findings, embolization, MRI, and clinical outcomes 1 year after UAE. The outcomes were compared between the two groups. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to assess independent correlations with tumor infarction.

RESULTS

Most of the baseline demographic features and technical outcomes in the two groups were similar. In the second UAE group, all but one uterine artery was reopened. More collateral vessels were observed at the second UAE (1.1/patient versus 0.23/patient, p = 0.043). Contrast-enhanced MRI after UAE revealed that the tumor infarction rate was significantly lower in the second UAE group (69.8 ± 33.9% vs 96.8 ± 9.0%, p = 0.025). The difference remained significant after adjustments for possible confounders (p < 0.001). Whether UAE was a first or a second procedure was significantly associated with tumor infarction rate (p < 0.001). The uterine volume reduction rate 1 year after UAE was significantly lower in the second UAE group (33.4 ± 18.1% versus 46.9 ± 16.6%, p = 0.008). No other 1-year outcomes were significantly different between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Second UAE was effective but inferior to first UAE in that it resulted in less tumor infarction at contrast-enhanced MRI and had a lower uterine volume reduction rate.

Cost and Distribution of Hysterectomy and Uterine Artery Embolization in the United States: Regional/Rural/Urban Disparities

Hysterectomy, the driving force for symptomatic uterine fibroids since 1895, has decreased over the years, but it is still the number one choice for many women. Since 1995, uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been proven by many researchers to be an effective treatment for uterine fibroids while allowing women to keep their uteri. The preponderance of data collection and research has focused on care quality in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, with little on location and viability related to care utilization, accessibility and physical availability. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the cost of UAE and classical abdominal hysterectomy with regard to race/ethnicity, region, and location. Data from National Hospital Discharge for 2004 through 2008 were accessed and analyzed for uterine artery embolization and hysterectomy. Frequency analyses were performed to determine distribution of variables by race/ethnicity, location, region, insurance coverage, cost and procedure. Based on frequency distributions of cost and length of stay, outliers were trimmed and categorized. Crosstabs were used to determine cost distributions by region, place/location, procedure, race, and primary payer. For abdominal hysterectomy, 9.8% of the sample were performed in rural locations accross the country. However, for UAE, only seven procedures were performed nationally in the same period. Therefore, all inferential analyses and associations for UAE were assumed for urban locations only. The pattern differed from region to region, regarding the volume of care (numbers of cases by location) and care cost. Comparing hysterectomy and UAE, the patterns indicate generally higher costs for UAE with a mean cost difference of $4223.52. Of the hysterectomies performed for fibroids on Black women in the rural setting, 92.08% were in the south. Overall, data analyzed in this examination indicated a significant disparity between rural and urban residence in both data collection and number of procedures conducted. Further research should determine the background to cost and care location differentials between races and between rural and urban settings. Further, factors driving racial differences in the proportions of hysterectomies in the rural south should be identified to eliminate disparities. Data are needed on the prevalence of uterine fibroids in rural settings.

Specialty-Specific Values Affecting the Management of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids

PURPOSE

To better understand why interventional radiologists and gynecologists differ in their approaches to symptomatic uterine fibroids.

METHODS

Conversational interviews were conducted with 26 interventional radiologists and gynecologists about their professional roles, clinical reasoning, and practice variation within and outside their specialty. Interview transcripts were systematically analyzed using NVivo 10 software (QSR International, Burlington, Massachusetts) according to grounded theory and content analysis to identify key themes and compare themes across specialties and practice environments. Data were supplemented with retrospective analysis of 7,659 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids treated at a large academic center over 11 years.

RESULTS

Interventional radiologists' shares of symptomatic uterine fibroid treatment and endovascular stent treatments have remained constant (P > .05) for 11 y at a large medical center, whereas minimally invasive gynecologic fibroid treatments and the percentage of interventional radiology (IR) procedures reimbursed by Medicaid/Medicare have increased significantly (r > .90, P < .001 and r = .93, P < .001). Interventional radiologists and gynecologists shared a commitment to do "the right thing" for patients, but each group possessed distinct professional values affecting how they viewed medical evidence, outcomes, and their colleagues. When differences were apparent and concerning, physicians tended to suspect ulterior motives not in patients' best interests.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventional radiologists and gynecologists demonstrated wide-ranging perspectives regarding their role in caring for patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids. To promote genuine collaboration and adoption of shared goals, stakeholders should seek and promote a deeper understanding of specialty-specific values and culture.

Intramural myomas: to treat or not to treat

A debate among gynecologic and reproductive surgeons is whether or not there is a clinical need to treat all intramural myomas. Considerations include myoma size and number, ability to access them, whether or not they compromise the endometrium, and treatment effect on gynecologic, reproductive, and obstetric outcomes. We conducted a detailed study regarding intramural myomas, their prevalence in subject populations, the imaging methods used to detect them, their growth rate, their suspected adverse effects on gynecologic, fertility, and obstetric outcomes, and the effectiveness of various treatment methods. The growing body of evidence reported in the literature supports the need to manage intramural myomas and to treat them appropriately.

Radiation dose reduction utilizing noise reduction technology during uterine artery embolization: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the radiation dose reduction during uterine artery embolization utilizing dose reduction technology.

METHODS

A total of 58 women underwent uterine artery embolization. A total of 26 procedures were performed in a standard fluoroscopy suite; 32 procedures were performed utilizing a novel imaging platform. Radiation dose data and acquisition parameters were compared.

RESULTS

The new platform provided significant reduction in the median radiation dose (P<.001): from 389Gy cm(2) to 145Gy cm(2). There were no differences between the groups with regard to acquisition parameters.

CONCLUSION

The new imaging platform provided a 61% dose reduction during uterine artery embolization without a significant change in acquisition parameters.

Clinical Long-Term Outcome and Reinterventional Rate After Uterine Fibroid Embolization with Nonspherical Versus Spherical Polyvinyl Alcohol Particles

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome and frequency of reinterventions in patients with uterine fibroids treated with embolization at a single center using polyvinyl alcohol microparticles.

METHODS

The study included all patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids treated with uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) with spherical (s-PVA) and nonspherical (ns-PVA) polyvinyl alcohol microparticles during the period January 2001 to January 2011. Clinical success and secondary interventions were examined. Hospital records were reviewed during follow-up, and symptom-specific questionnaires were sent to all patients.

RESULTS

In total, 515 patients were treated with UFE and 350 patients (67 %) were available for long-term clinical follow-up. Median time of follow-up was 93 (range 76-120.2) months. Eighty-five patients (72 %) had no reinterventions during follow-up in the group embolized with ns-PVA compared with 134 patients (58 %) treated with s-PVA. Thirty-three patients (28 %) underwent secondary interventions in the ns-PVA group compared with 98 patients (42 %) in s-PVA group (χ(2) test, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Spherical PVA particles 500-700 µm showed high reintervention rate at long-term follow-up, and almost one quarter of the patients underwent secondary interventions, suggesting that this type of particle is inappropriate for UFE.

Selective Embolisation of a Heavily Bleeding Cervical Fibroid in a Pregnant Woman

We report a case of a 20-week pregnant woman, who underwent embolisation of a cervical fibroid to end a life-threatening massive bleeding. This is the first reported case in the literature of a super-selective uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) in a pregnant woman, even though pregnancy is considered an absolute contraindication for UFE. This rare case demonstrates that UFE can be safely performed during pregnancy providing an excellent short- and long-term clinical outcome for both mother and child.

Three-Dimensional Quantitative Assessment of Uterine Fibroid Response after Uterine Artery Embolization Using Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the assessment of total lesion volume (TLV) and enhancing lesion volume (ELV) before and after uterine artery embolization (UAE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 25 patients with uterine fibroids who underwent UAE and received contrast-enhanced MR imaging before and after the procedure. TLV was calculated using a semiautomated 3D segmentation of the dominant lesion on contrast-enhanced MR imaging, and ELV was defined as voxels within TLV where the enhancement exceeded the value of a region of interest placed in hypoenhancing soft tissue (left psoas muscle). ELV was expressed in relative (% of TLV) and absolute (in cm(3)) metrics. Results were compared with manual measurements and correlated with symptomatic outcome using a linear regression model.

RESULTS

Although 3D quantitative measurements of TLV demonstrated a strong correlation with the manual technique (R(2) = 0.93), measurements of ELV after UAE showed significant disagreement between techniques (R(2) = 0.72; residual standard error, 15.8). Six patients (24%) remained symptomatic and were classified as nonresponders. When stratified according to response, no difference in % ELV between responders and nonresponders was observed. When assessed using cm(3) ELV, responders showed a significantly lower mean ELV compared with nonresponders (4.1 cm(3) [range, 0.3-19.8 cm(3)] vs 77 cm(3) [range, 11.91-296 cm(3)]; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of segmentation-based 3D quantification of lesion enhancement is feasible and diagnostically accurate and could be considered as an MR imaging response marker for clinical outcome after UAE.

Matrix production and remodeling as therapeutic targets for uterine leiomyoma

Uterine leiomyoma, commonly known as fibroids, is a benign neoplasm of smooth muscle in women. The incidence of clinically symptomatic fibroids in reproductive-age women is approximately 20 %, with nearly 80 % of black women suffering from this condition. Symptoms include severe pain and hemorrhage; fibroids are also a major cause of infertility or sub-fertility in women. Uterine leiomyoma consist of hyperplastic smooth muscle cells and an excess deposition of extracellular matrix, specifically collagen, fibronectin, and sulfated proteoglycans. Extracellular matrix components interact and signal through integrin-β1 on the surface of uterine leiomyoma smooth muscle cells, provide growth factor storage, and act as co-receptors for growth factor-receptor binding. ECM and growth factor signaling through integrin-β1 and growth factor receptors significantly increases cell proliferation and ECM deposition in uterine leiomyoma. Growth factors TGF-β, IGF, PDGF, FGF and EGF are all shown to promote uterine leiomyoma progression and signal through multiple pathways to increase the expression of genes encoding matrix or matrix-modifying proteins. Decreasing integrin expression, reducing growth factor action and inhibiting ECM action on uterine leiomyoma smooth muscle cells are important opportunities to treat uterine leiomyoma without use of the current surgical procedures. Both natural compounds and chemicals are shown to decrease fibrosis and uterine leiomyoma progression, but further analysis is needed to make inroads in treating this common women's health issue.

Current evidence on uterine embolization for fibroids

Strong evidence for both safety and effectiveness of uterine fibroid embolization has been generated since the procedure's introduction. This review will focus on the key articles representing the best evidence to summarize the outcomes from uterine embolization. This review will attempt to answer three important questions associated with uterine embolization. First, does uterine embolization relieve symptoms caused by uterine fibroids? Second, how well does the improvement in symptoms and quality of life after uterine embolization compare with standard surgical options for fibroids? Finally, how durable is the improvement in fibroid-related symptoms and quality of life after embolization?

Embolization of uterine fibroids from the point of view of the gynecologist: pros and cons

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure with large symptomatic potential in treatment of women with uterine leiomyomas. Due to specificities of this method and possible complications the appropriate indication is crucial. Patient’ symptoms, age, plans for pregnancy, and surgical and reproductive history play a major role in decision-making regarding appropriate subjects for UAE. Close cooperation between the gynecologist and the interventional radiologist is necessary. UAE is usually offered as an alternative to surgical treatment. In patients with no fertility plans, it is a less invasive option than abdominal hysterectomy, with a comparable effect on fibroid-related symptoms and quality of life. The need for reintervention is markedly greater in patients after UAE (up to 35% within 5 years) than after hysterectomy. Women with large symptomatic fibroids wishing to retain the uterus and ineligible for minimally invasive (laparoscopic or vaginal) hysterectomy are good candidates for UAE. However, studies comparing UAE with minimally invasive hysterectomy are lacking. Use of UAE in younger women desiring pregnancy is more controversial, mainly because of the significant risk of miscarriage (as high as 64% in some studies) as well as the increased risk of other complications of pregnancy, such as preterm delivery, abnormal placentation, and post-partum hemorrhage. The risk of infertility or subfertility following UAE is unknown. Even poor candidates for myomectomy should be carefully selected for UAE after counseling about all possible adverse effects on fertility. Good prospective studies focused on fertility comparing UAE with no treatment or with myomectomy are needed but would be ethically questionable. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the benefits and potential risks of UAE from the point of view of the gynecologist, who should be responsible for proper indication of this treatment.