Updates on Uterine Artery Embolization

Uterine Artery Embolization in the Office-Based Lab

Uterine artery embolization has an over 25-year track record of safety and efficacy. It has been evident for quite some time that this procedure can performed in an office-based lab. In this article, some of the prerequisites to performing uterine artery embolization in an office-based lab are reviewed.

Comparing magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound in the clinical evaluation of fibroids prior to uterine artery embolization

PURPOSE

Uterine artery embolization has become established as a frontline treatment for uterine leiomyomata. In planning embolization, preprocedural imaging can further characterize pathology and anatomy, but it may also reveal coexisting diagnoses that have the potential to change clinical management. The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic outcomes of ultrasound and MRI performed for patients prior to undergoing embolization.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 199 patients who underwent uterine artery embolization at a single academic institution between 2013 and 2018. Prior to embolization, all patients had an MRI confirming a leiomyomata diagnosis. Additionally, 118 patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound within five years prior to MRI. MRI findings were analyzed and, when applicable, compared to prior ultrasound impressions to assess for the incidence of new findings. The diagnoses of interest were adenomyosis, hydrosalpinx, predominantly infarcted leiomyomata, and large intracavitary leiomyomata. Data were collected from retrospective chart review and included demographics, symptomology, and imaging reports.

RESULTS

199 patients ultimately underwent embolization for treatment of MRI-confirmed leiomyomata. Of 118 patients who also had an ultrasound within five years prior to their MRI, 26 (22.0%) received a second gynecologic diagnosis based on MRI findings that was not previously seen on ultrasound. Of 81 patients who only had an MRI before embolization, 19 (23.5%) received a second gynecologic diagnosis not previously documented. The most common coexisting pathology was adenomyosis, presenting in 34 (17.1%) patients with leiomyomata, followed by large intracavitary leiomyomata (8, 4.0%), infarcted leiomyomata (7, 3.5%), and hydrosalpinx (6, 3.0%),.

CONCLUSIONS

When considering uterine artery embolization for the treatment of symptomatic leiomyomata, preprocedural MRI is superior to ultrasound in detecting coexisting pathologies, including adenomyosis and hydrosalpinx. It can also better characterize leiomyomata, including identifying lesions as intracavitary or infarcted. These findings have the potential to alter clinical management or contraindicate embolization entirely.

Predictors and Clinical Outcomes of Fibroid Expulsion After Uterine Artery Embolization

PURPOSE

To evaluate rates of fibroid expulsion after uterine artery embolization (UAE) and risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-center retrospective study of UAEs for fibroids between 2016 and 2020. Preoperative UAE and patients with incomplete follow-up were excluded. Patients underwent MRI before and 3 months after UAE and/or as indicated. Medical records were reviewed, and patient demographics, fibroid characteristics and clinical events were recorded. Fibroid expulsion included fibroid exposure to the endometrial cavity on MRI, and tissue loss/passage as observed clinically or on MRI. Symptoms were considered major if requiring additional clinic visits or treatment. Statistical tests included Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-nine women were included. Symptomatic fibroid expulsion occurred after 31 (16%) procedures: 16 minor and 15 major. Symptoms included vaginal discharge (n = 23), bleeding (n = 9), tissue passage (n = 9), cramping/pain (n = 3), and fever (n = 4). Fifteen women (8%) needed additional care, of whom 6 (3%) required invasive procedures (4 elective hysterectomies, 1 hysteroscopic resection, 1 transvaginal removal of passing tissue). The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification was significantly associated with symptomatic fibroid expulsion (p = 0.001). Odds ratio for symptomatic expulsion and expulsion requiring additional care for FIGO 3-7 versus 0-2 fibroids was 0.32 (95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.71, p = 0.005) and 0.28 (95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.83, p = 0.02), respectively. Other factors were not consistently associated with expulsion.

CONCLUSION

Fibroid expulsion after uterine artery embolization was more common than previously reported but mostly asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic. Women with FIGO ≤ 2 fibroids should be appropriately counseled regarding risk for expulsion.

Update on Endovascular Therapy for Fibroids and Adenomyosis

Uterine fibroids and adenomyosis are prevalent benign neoplasms that can lead to serious deleterious health effects including life-threatening anemia, prolonged menses, and pelvic pain; however, up to 40% of women remain undiagnosed. Traditional treatment options such as myomectomy or hysterectomy can effectively manage symptoms but may entail longer hospital stays and hinder future fertility. Endovascular treatment, such as uterine artery embolization (UAE), is a minimally invasive procedure that has emerged as a well-validated alternative to surgical options while preserving the uterus and offering shorter hospital stays. Careful patient selection and appropriate techniques are crucial to achieving optimal outcomes. There have been advancements in recent times that encompass pre- and postprocedural care aimed at enhancing results and alleviating discomfort prior to, during, and after UAE. Furthermore, success and reintervention rates may also depend on the size and location of the fibroids. This article reviews the current state of endovascular treatments of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis.

Uterine Artery Embolization in a Patient With Large Uterine Fibroids

A woman in her 20s with no past medical history presented to the emergency department with a 4-day history of abdominal pain. Imaging revealed several large uterine fibroids that compressed various intra-abdominal structures. Options of observation, medical management, surgical management with abdominal myomectomy, and uterine artery embolization (UAE) were discussed. The patient was counseled about the associated risks of UAE and myomectomy. Since both procedures have a risk of infertility, the patient elected to proceed with uterine artery embolization due to the less invasive nature of the procedure. She was discharged after one day in the hospital following the procedure and readmitted three days later for suspected endometritis. The patient was treated with antibiotics for five days and discharged home. Eleven months post-procedure, the patient became pregnant. The patient had achieved a full-term delivery at 39 weeks and two days via a cesarean section secondary to a breech presentation.

Unilateral Uterine Artery Embolization as a Treatment for Patients with Symptomatic Fibroids-Experience in a Case Series

Background and Objectives: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has become an accepted and widely performed therapy for patients with symptomatic (reporting at least two of the following symptoms: severe or prolonged menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, tension in abdomen, problems with urination, constipation or anemia) uterine fibroids. Although in the majority of cases, bilateral occlusion is required to obtain a successful clinical outcome, there are patients in whom treatment of only one uterine artery could be attempted. There are several reasons for unilateral UAE: hemodynamic conditions, technical difficulties, anatomical variants and unilateral dominancy of blood supply to the fibroid. Our aim is to present our 10-year experience with unilateral UAE and evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: Records of 369 patients with fibroids who underwent UAE from 2010 to 2021 were analyzed. We identified 26 patients treated with unilateral uterine artery embolization and analyzed the data of these patients. All patients attended medical consultation, were assessed using a five-grade symptom scale and underwent MRI examination. Clinical response was evaluated at least 6 months after the procedure and was categorized to one of the following groups: complete improvement, partial improvement, no change and a worsening in symptoms. Results: Twenty-two patients (85%) reported at least partial improvement 6 months following the procedure. One patient required secondary embolization due to recanalization. The secondary procedure was successful, and complete improvement was achieved. One patient did not observe any clinical improvement, and in two cases, symptom recurrence was observed. All three patients were referred for surgical treatment. No major complications were noted. Overall, the success rate was 88%. Conclusions: The results of our study support the statement that elective unilateral embolization is an appropriate treatment in patients with a dominant uterine artery.

Recent progress in liquid embolic agents

Vascular embolization is a non-surgical procedure used to treat diseases or morbid conditions related to blood vessels, such as bleeding, arteriovenous malformation, aneurysm, and hypervascular tumors, through the intentional occlusion of blood vessels. Among various types of embolic agents that have been applied, liquid embolic agents are gaining an increasing amount of attention owing to their advantages in distal infiltration into regions where solid embolic agents cannot reach, enabling more extensive embolization. Meanwhile, recent advances in biomaterials and technologies have also contributed to the development of novel liquid embolic agents that can resolve the challenges faced while using the existing embolic materials. In this review, we briefly summarize the clinically used embolic agents and their applications, and then present selected research results that overcome the limitations of the embolic agents in use. Through this review, we suggest the required properties of liquid embolic agents that ensure efficacy, which can replace the existing agents, providing directions for the future development in this field.

Review of uterine fibroids: imaging of typical and atypical features, variants, and mimics with emphasis on workup and FIGO classification

Uterine fibroids are the most common gynecologic neoplasm. Although non-degenerated fibroids are easily identifiable on imaging, degenerated fibroids, fibroid variants, and fibroids with unusual growth patterns can constitute a diagnostic dilemma. Identification of these abnormal morphologic features can alter the diagnosis of presumed uterine fibroids and hence change management plans. This article reviews the typical and atypical radiologic imaging features of uterine fibroids, with an emphasis on the pitfalls, mimics, and radiologically identifiable features that can alter clinical management plans.

Extravascular Dispersion of Polyvinyl Alcohol Microsphere Particles in Uterine Artery Embolization

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a common minimally invasive treatment of different uterine pathologies, such as fibroids, adenomyosis, and menorrhagia. The procedure involves the injection of embolic agents into the uterine arteries, whereby various particles can be used, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Complication of UAE is the dispersion of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microsphere particles in the uterine body which can lead to a granular vaginal discharge. We report the management of complications of PVA microspheres dispersed from the uterine body causing postprocedural discomfort due to the vaginal passage of microspheres or because of an induced fibroid-size enlargement. The dispersion of the PVA microspheres is one example of a minor UAE complication, which nevertheless causes significant distress to the patient and eventfully requires further surgical interventions.

Uterine artery embolization combined with ultrasound-guided dilation and curettage for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy: Efficacy and 5–8-year follow-up study

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolization (UAE) combined with dilation and curettage (D&C) using ultrasound as a treatment for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and assess its effect on ovarian and reproductive function.

Methods

A total of 54 patients with uterine CSP between January 2011 and December 2015 were included in this retrospective study. The patients were treated with UAE combined with D&C using ultrasound for the treatment of CSP and followed up for 5–8 years. Their medical records, medical histories, clinical manifestations, treatment courses, and treatment results were analyzed.

Results

The 54 patients were initially treated without severe complications. β-Human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) normalization took 36.11 ​± ​10.73 days (range, 25–84 days), length of hospitalization was 6.6 ​± ​1.5 days (range, 4–10 days), and total blood loss was 18.48 ​± ​8.41 ​mL (range, 5–33 ​mL). All patients resumed normal menstruation after 33.48 ​± ​8.71 days (range, 26–70 days). At the 5–8-year follow-up after UAE combined with D&C by ultrasound for the treatment of uterine CSP, the menstrual volume in 32 (59.3%) patients decreased versus before the operation. Compared with pretreatment, the menstrual cycle was prolonged in two (3.7%) cases, shortened in 10 (18.5%) cases, irregular in one (1.9%) case, and unchanged in 39 (72.2%) cases. Three patients conceived naturally and successfully gave birth to healthy children. Seven (12.96%) patients with accidental natural pregnancies chose induced abortion with no significant change in their sex lives.

Conclusion

UAE combined with D&C using ultrasound for the treatment of uterine CSP is safe and effective and may not affect the fertility of patients aged <40 years. However, menstrual volume may be reduced in some patients.

Uterine artery embolization, surgery and high intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of uterine fibroids: a network meta-analysis

Background

To systematic review the safety and effectiveness between uterine artery embolization (UAE), surgery and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of uterine fibroids.

Methods

The PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang Data, and CNKI were electronically searched to collect relevant studies on comparing the safety and effectiveness of UAE, surgery and HIFU in the treatment of uterine fibroids from January 2000 to August 2019. After two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias of included studies, network meta-analysis was performed by ADDIS 1.16.8 and Stata 14 software.

Results

A total of 11 studies (22 articles) involving 3,646 patients were included. Compared with surgery, UAE and HIFU patients had higher quality of life (1-year follow-up) improvement, and UAE was higher than HIFU. Network meta-analysis show that patients treated with HIFU had the lowest incidence of major complications within 1 year, followed by UAE, and the highest surgery. Patients treated with HIFU and UAE have shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery time than surgery. The rate of further intervention after surgery treatment might be lower than that of UAE and HIFU.

Conclusions

UAE has the highest quality of life improvement (1-year follow-up) for uterine fibroids. HIFU and UAE are safer with shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery time compared with surgery. However, both UAE and HIFU have the risks of re-treatment. However, limited by the number and quality of included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified through more high-quality studies.

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.

Can uterine artery embolization be an alternative to plastic and reconstructive uterus operation by minimally invasive surgery?

Introduction: Plastic and reconstructive minimally invasive surgery has been established as gold standard in myomectomy. Therapy failure eventually leads to future surgical interventions or hysterectomy: surgeons and patients should be aware of the risks and benefits. We conducted a systematic review to analyse the evidence on the therapeutic indications and adverse events associated with uterine artery embolization and thereby evaluating if this method could be a valid alternative therapy. Methods: In concordance with PRISMA guidelines, literature research was made in PubMed, Cochrane Library, UpToDate, Amboss and Medline databases. Clinical trials, reviews and case reports published in English between January 2010 and June 2020 were included. Results: 44 articles were included out of 838 papers identified at initial search. Regarding uterine fibroids, three original papers and one Cochrane review reported the benefits of the procedure as an alternative to surgery, even in large and giant fibroids. Furthermore, several studies discussed the use of embolization for postpartum haemorrhage to decrease rates of hysterectomy after other haemostatic methods were exhausted, because of the potential risk of abnormal placentation in a future pregnancy. The procedure can also be successfully used as prophylactic method in different obstetrical procedures. Conclusions: The use of embolization in different uterine pathologies is a minimally invasive procedure as an alternative to surgery, especially in women who desire to preserve their uterus. Its related complications are described and can be avoided by a stringent indication of the procedure. More evidence regarding fertility after UAE, use of the procedure prophylactically in obstetrical haemorrhage or in adenomyosis is needed.

Uterine Artery Embolization for Uterine Fibroids: A Closer Look at Misperceptions and Challenges

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids, with over 25 years of supporting data. Although UAE is a well-established treatment option, several misperceptions exist that may limit the number of patients who are considered candidates for UAE. There are also challenges that may affect the ability of interventional radiologists to effectively treat some patients and offer the best possible experience. This article will discuss these misperceptions and challenges, which represent opportunities for further growth and innovation that will allow interventional radiologists to better serve this patient population.

Utilization of platelet count in prediction of post-embolization syndrome after uterine artery embolization

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the predictive value of neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR), platelets to lymphocytes ratio (PLR) in identifying the occurrence of post-embolization syndrome (PES) after uterine artery embolization (UAE).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study in a single tertiary care center located in New York City during period of November 2014 - December 2018, for patients who underwent UAE. PES was defined as the occurrence of pelvic pain, nausea or fever within one week after the procedure.

RESULTS

We enrolled 62 patients: 12 of them had PES and 50 served as controls. Platelets were statistically significantly higher in patients with PES (p=0.036). Specifically, a platelet count greater than 336×10³/uL was identified as cut-off with a specificity of 91.8 %, a sensitivity of 33.3 %, a positive predictive value of 46 % and a negative predictive value of 85 %. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.721 (CI 0.536-0.907).

CONCLUSION

Patients with a preprocedural platelet count less than 336×10³/uL were less likely to have PES. If confirmed by larger studies, the platelet count could be incorporated into patient counseling and preoperative algorithms to identify the ideal UAE candidates.

Current and Future Surgical and Interventional Management Options for Adenomyosis

Historically, hysterectomy has been the recommended treatment for patients with adenomyosis. However, in the past two decades, various uterine-sparing treatment methods have emerged. These range from excisional techniques such as adenomyomectomy or wedge resection to uterine artery embolization, radiofrequency thermal ablation, hysteroscopic excision, endometrial ablation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound. While largely investigative for the treatment of adenomyosis, these procedures have demonstrated improvement in symptoms including abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and overall quality of life. However, long-term data including fertility and obstetric outcomes are needed. Future research is needed to better understand the impact of these uterine-preserving techniques to expand our armamentarium for the treatment of adenomyosis.

Improvement in parameters of quality of life and uterine volume reduction after uterine fibroid embolization

Objective

To evaluate improvement in quality of life, reduction of uterine volume, and the correlation between these two variables after uterine fibroid embolization.

Methods

Data on quality of life before and after uterine fibroid embolization were collected from 60 patients using the Uterine Fibroid Symptom – Quality of Life questionnaire. In 40 of these patients, uterine volume information on magnetic resonance imaging examinations performed before and after uterine fibroid embolization was collected, and compared using the nonparametric Wilcoxon test for paired data. Correlation between quality of life and uterine volume before and after procedure was measured using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results

There was significant improvement in quality of life after uterine fibroid embolization on Uterine Fibroid Symptom – Quality of Life questionnaire, in both subscales scores and the total score. There was a significant median reduction of -37.4% after uterine fibroid embolization, but no correlations between uterine volume and quality of life scores were found before or after embolization.

Conclusion

Uterine embolization is an alternative to treat uterine fibroids, resulting in relief of symptoms and better quality of life. Although reduction in uterine volume plays an important role in the evaluation of therapeutic success, it does not necessarily have a definitive correlation with relief of symptoms.

Pain after uterine artery embolization with intrauterine device in situ

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive option for females with symptomatic leiomyomas. Studies detailing a possible risk with an intrauterine device (IUD) in situ during UAE are limited. A 43-year-old female (Gravida 2, Para 2) underwent UAE with an IUD in situ. On post-procedure day 2, the patient presented with severe lower abdominal pain and mild leukocytosis. Following removal of her IUD, the patient experienced immediate pain relief. Caution is given to clinicians who wish to perform UAE with an IUD in situ.

The role of interventional radiology in the management of abnormally invasive placenta: a systematic review of current evidences

Abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) is a potentially severe condition. To date, arterial embolization in women with postpartum hemorrhage due to AIP is the treatment option for which highest degrees of evidence are available. However, other techniques have been tested, including prophylactic catheter placement, balloon occlusion of the iliac arteries and abdominal aorta balloon occlusion. In this systematic review, we provide an overview of the currently reported interventional radiology procedures that are used for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage due to AIP and suggest recommendations based on current evidences. Owing to a high rate of adverse events, prophylactic occlusion of internal iliac arteries should be used with caution and applied when the endpoint is hysterectomy. On the opposite, when a conservative management is considered to preserve future fertility, uterine artery embolization should be the preferred option as it is associated with a hysterectomy rate of 15.5% compared to 76.5% with prophylactic balloon occlusion of the internal iliac arteries and does not result in fetal irradiation. Limited data are available regarding the application of systematic prophylactic embolization and no comparative studies with arterial embolization are available.

Evaluation of Uterine Artery Embolization on Myoma Shrinkage: Results from a Large Cohort Analysis

Objective:

There are still contradictory opinions on the success rates of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the treatment of myomas. In this scenario, our study aims to assess the effect of UAE on myoma shrinkage.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 337 women in reproductive age affected by a single symptomatic intramural myoma and declined surgery, undergoing UAE. The uterus and myoma diameters and volumes were determined on ultrasonographic scans before and 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure.

Results:

The mean uterine volume before intervention was 226.46 ± 307.67 mm³, whereas myoma volume was 51.53 ± 65.53 mm³. Further myoma progression was registered in only four patients. In remaining women, uterus volume in average decreased for 149.99 ± 156.63 mm³, whereas myomas decreased for 36.57 ± 47.96 mm³. The mean volume reduction rate of the uterus was 49.54 ± 35.62 and for myoma was 57.58 ± 30.71. A significant decrease in both uterine and myoma volume was registered in every stage of the follow-up. The highest average decrease in uterine volume was in the first 3 months and myoma volume between 3 and 6 months following UAE. After 12 months follow-up, successful outcome (volume regression >50% respect to the baseline) was registered for uterus in 97.4% and for myoma in 67.9% of investigated patients.

Conclusion:

UAE was proven to allow a good success rate and can be considered as an effective alternative procedure for myoma treatment.

Uterine artery embolization in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids - state of the art 2018

Uterine fibroids are considered to be the most common benign tumours in females. The vast majority of these tumours are incidental findings and do not require any treatment. Symptomatic fibroids, with ailments such as abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhoea, pelvic pain, impaired urination, bowel dysfunction, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss, are indicated for medical treatment. Surgery remains a first-line treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids; however, minimally invasive techniques and pharmacological management have become more available and popular. Among minimally invasive techniques uterine artery embolization (UAE) is the most well-established uterine preserving treatment. UAE was first introduced in obstetrics and gynaecology in 1987 and since then many studies have shown the safety and efficacy of UAE in fibroid treatment with low rates of complications. In this review we present a novel approach to UAE, which reflects the current state of knowledge based on recent clinical trials and long-term post-procedural follow-up.