Infertility in patients with uterine fibroids: a debate about the hypothetical mechanisms

Fibroids are benign tumours of the myometrium and are the most common gynaecologic abnormality. Although most fibroids are asymptomatic, they can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, pressure complaints, and infertility. The association between fibroids and infertility has been debated for decades. It is generally acknowledged that the closer the fibroid is to the uterine cavity and the endometrium lining, the more unfavourable effect it might have on fertility, reducing the odds for successful implantation and gestation. Based on the limited available literature, we propose and discuss seven hypotheses on the underlying mechanism by which fibroids may reduce fertility. (i) Fibroids can cause sexual dysfunction, as fibroids can cause dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding, which could interfere with sexual arousal and as a consequence the frequency of intercourse, resulting in a reduced probability of conception. (ii) Mechanical compression by fibroids on theinterstitial part of the fallopian tubes or deformation of uterine cavity could disturb oocyte and sperm transport. (iii) Fibroids can disturb peristalsis of the junctional zone in the myometrium, which could negatively influence oocyte and sperm transport as well as implantation. In addition, fibroids could induce a detrimental environment for implantation in other ways, by: (iv) changing the vagino-uterine microbiome; (v) disturbing the levels of inflammation and autophagy; (vi) inducing molecular changes in the endometrium; and (vii) inducing aberrant angiogenesis and altering the endometrial blood supply. After the discussion of these hypotheses, the implication of the influence of fibroids on early pregnancy loss is discussed. Surgical fibroid treatment is not tailored nor focussed on the pathophysiology of the fibroid; consequently it may be accompanied by recurrence of fibroids and risks of complications. Unravelling the pathogenic mechanisms about how fibroids influence fertility is essential to evolve classic surgical fibroid treatment. Instead of treatment of fibroid-related symptoms, the research should supports development of fibroid-targeted (pharmaceutical) treatment that is compatible with an active wish to become pregnant.

Increased amplitude of subendometrial contractions identified by ultrasound speckle tracking in women with a caesarean scar defect

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the effect of a caesarean scar defect on subendometrial contractions?

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study in a Dutch medical centre including women with a niche in the uterine caesarean section scar. Data were compared with controls without a caesarean section scar. All women underwent a 5-min recording by transvaginal ultrasound at four phases in the menstrual cycle: during menses; late follicular; early luteal; or late luteal phase. Uterine motion analysis was evaluated by dedicated speckle tracking using two-dimensional optical flow.

MAIN OUTCOME

amplitude of the subendometrial contractions.

RESULTS

Thirty-one women with a niche in the uterine scar and 11 controls, matched for menstrual cycle phase, were included. The amplitude of the subendometrial contractions was significantly higher in women with a niche compared with controls during all phases of the menstrual cycle (menses P < 0.001; late follicular P < 0.001; early luteal P = 0.028; late luteal P = 0.003). Velocity was lower in women with a niche during late follicular phase only (P = 0.012). A positive correlation between niche sizes (depth, length) and amplitude of subendometrial contractions was found.

CONCLUSION

Subendometrial contractions were affected in women with a niche in the caesarean section scar compared with women who had not undergone a previous caesarean section. Contraction amplitude was higher and independent of the menstrual phase. These findings may cause postmenstrual spotting, dysmenorrhoea and lower implantation rates in women with a niche. Future studies should investigate this association and the underlying pathways.

Automated measurement of endometrial peristalsis in cine transvaginal ultrasound images

Objectives: Endometrial peristalsis (EP) in non-pregnant uterine can be assessed by visual assessment of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). However, visual assessment is subjective, and the outcome depends on the sonographers and video analysts. This study aimed to create a newly developed automatic analysis algorithm for measuring the EP compared to visual assessment.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using the datasets from in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), who underwent the evaluation of EP by TVUS within 5 days prior to transplantation. 158 cine TVUS images were used to develop the automated analysis algorithm, and 37 cine TVUS images were evaluated by both visual and automated analysis algorithms. The algorithm was developed by applying the optical flow technology and enabled objective analysis of the number, direction, and intensity of EP.

Results: The number of peristaltic waves counted by visual assessment was 4.2 ± 2.3 (mean ± standard deviation) and 4.1 ± 2.1 for doctors one and two, respectively. The number of waves counted with the algorithm was 3.6 ± 2.1 at first evaluation and 3.7 ± 2.0 at repeated evaluation. A significant difference was found between the algorithm count and visual assessment (p = 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.008). The ICC values for algorithm versus manuals ranged from 0.84 to 0.96 and 0.87 to 0.96. The numbers of the cervix-to-fundus (CF), fundus-to-cervix (FC), and both cervix-to-fundal and fundus-to-cervix (CF + FC) directions of EP counted by the algorithm were 50, 52, and 32, respectively. The numbers counted by visual assessment were 43, 45, and 46, respectively. The number of EP was the same in 87% of the two algorithm counts. The number was lower between the algorithm and visual analysis (79% with complete agreement). The EP intensity assessed by the algorithm was 2.6 ± 1.1, and the peristalsis velocity was 0.147 (0.07) mm/s.

Conclusion: The fully automated analysis algorithm can be used to quantify uterine peristalsis comparable to visual assessment.

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.

Impact of uterine contractility on quality of life of women undergoing uterine fibroid embolization

Background

Although changes in uterine contractility pattern after uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) has already been assessed by cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), their impact on quality of life outcomes has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of uterine contractility on the quality of life of women undergoing UFE measured by the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire (UFS-QOL).

Results

A total of 26 patients were included. MRI scans were acquired 30–7 days before and 6 months after UFE for all patients. The UFS-QOL was applied in person on first MRI exam day and 1 year after UFE and the outcomes were analyzed according to the groups of evolution pattern of uterine contractility: Group A: Unchanged Uterine Contractility Pattern, 38%; Group B: Favorable Modified Uterine Contractility Pattern, 50%; and Group C: Loss of Uterine Contractility, 11%. All UFE patients presented a reduction in the mean score for symptoms and increase in mean scores on quality of life. All patients in this cohort presented a reduction in mean symptom score and increase in the mean score of quality of life subscales. Group A had more relevant complaints regarding their sense of self-confidence; Group B presented worse sexual function scores before UFE, which improved after UFE compared to Group A.

Conclusions

Significant improvement in symptoms, quality of life, and uterine contractility was observed after UFE in women of reproductive age with symptomatic fibroids. Functional uterine contractility seems to have a positive impact on quality of life and sexual function in this population.

Level of evidence

Level 3, Non-randomized controlled cohort/follow-up study.

Uterine Peristalsis Before and After Ultrasound-Guided High-Intensify Focused Ultrasound (USgHIFU) Treatment for Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids

Background

This study investigated uterine peristalsis before and after ultrasound-guided high-intensify focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids by cine magnetic resonance imaging (cine MRI).

Material/Methods

A total of 30 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids were treated by USgHIFU, who were subjected to cine MRI before and after USgHIFU treatment in the periovulatory phase. The images were analyzed for the existence, direction, and frequency of uterine peristalsis. The effects of uterine volume, the largest fibroid volume and location, and the fibroid number were examined before and after USgHIFU treatment.

Results

The incidence of uterine peristalsis was significantly increased after USgHIFU treatment. The main direction of uterine peristalsis before and after USgHIFU was cervix-to-fundus. In 12 cases, uterine peristalsis newly emerged after USgHIFU, and the largest fibroid volumes in these 12 cases were significantly smaller than in the remaining 18 cases before and after USgHIFU. The reduction rates of the largest fibroid volume in the 12 cases were significantly higher than in the remaining 18 cases. The largest fibroids were mainly located in the intramural area before and after USgHIFU.

Conclusions

USgHIFU treatment may contribute to the recovery of uterine peristalsis in patients with symptomatic fibroids, as detected by cine MRI. Uterine peristalsis recovery was related to the largest fibroid volume, especially for intramural fibroids.

Visual inspection of transvaginal ultrasound videos to characterize uterine peristalsis: an inter-observer agreement study

PURPOSE

Contractions in non-pregnant uterine can be assessed by visual inspection of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). Many authors have used this method to extract features like contraction frequency and direction. However, visual inspection is a subjective method and the outcome is dependent on the sonographers and video analysts. In this study, we wanted to see which uterine feature is reproducible enough, in terms of inter-observer agreement, to serve as a reliable control for future research.

METHODS

Six observers assessed 80 TVUS videos, and rated video quality, contraction frequency, direction and timing. One observer assessed operating time. A Fleiss' kappa (κ) or an intra-class correlation (ICC) was calculated to determine the inter-observer agreement of all features.

RESULTS

The inter-observer agreement in frequency was substantial (ICC = 0.68). Conversely, there was just slight to fair agreement in contraction timing and direction and in video quality: ICC = 0.26, κ = 0.17 and κ = 0.16, respectively. Overall, agreement among technical engineers was better than between medical professionals. The level of agreement was correlated with video quality, phase of the menstrual cycle and individual patient (all χ² with p < 0.00). The time to analyze one video ranged between 6 and 20 min.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that visual inspection of TVUS videos is a fairly reproducible method to assess contraction frequency. However, the operating time is too extensive to implement this method in daily practice. Automated methods could offer a solution for this problem in the future.

Successful pregnancy after uterine artery embolization for uterine arterovenous malformation: a rare case report

Objective

This paper reports on a rare case of pregnancy after uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Debate exists about persistence of fertility in women after UAE. Adverse effects of this technique can modify both uterine echostructure, inducing necrosis and infarction, endometrial atrophy and uterine artery rupture, and ovarian reserve, causing persistent amenorrhea. Ovarian reserve appears to be affected by UAE in pre-menopausal women. However, younger ovaries (according to biological ovarian age) exhibit a greater capacity for recovery after ovarian damage. Therefore, larger studies are needed for more conclusive results.

Case report

A 28-year-old woman was admitted to our department due to life-threatening uterine bleeding, resulting in tachycardia, pallor, and sweating. The patient came with a history of two spontaneous miscarriages. After sonography and computed tomography, AVMs were identified at uterine fundus and anterior wall.

Conclusion

The pathogenesis of infertility after UAE is not yet known. The peculiarity of this case was that, only few months later, the patient became pregnant and gave birth to a live fetus at 37 weeks with cesarean delivery.

Evaluation of Uterine Contractility by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Women Undergoing Embolization of Uterine Fibroids

PURPOSE

To assess uterine contractility using ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging (cine MRI) before and after uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective study of uterine contractility in 26 patients (age 30-41 years) undergoing UFE for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Cine MRI was performed before and 6 months after UFE. Two radiologists evaluated uterine contractility and classified it as absent, ordered, or disordered. Patients were then grouped into three distinct patterns of progression: unchanged contractility (group A), modified contractility (B), and loss of contractility (C). These findings were then confronted with factors that might have interfered with uterine contractility pattern (uterine volume, location of dominant fibroid, fibroid/myometrium index, and fibroid necrosis pattern).

RESULTS

Of the 26 patients, 8 (30.7%) had no contractility before the procedure, while 18 (69.2%) exhibited some form of contractility (11 [61%] ordered, 7 [39%] disordered). All 8 patients who had no contractility at baseline exhibited contractility after UFE (5 ordered, 3 disordered). Of the 11 who had ordered contractility at baseline, 9 remained ordered and 2 lost contractility after UFE. Of the 7 with disordered contractility at baseline, 1 remained disordered, 5 progressed to ordered contractility, and 1 lost contractility. Overall, 10 patients (38%) had no change in contractility after UFE (group A), 13 (50%) had a positive change (group B), and 3 (11%) lost contractility (group C). The potential interference factors assessed had no statistically significant effect in any group.

CONCLUSION

In women of reproductive age with symptomatic fibroids, uterine contractility improved significantly after UFE.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3-non-randomized controlled cohort/follow-up study.

Uterine peristalsis and fertility: current knowledge and future perspectives: a review and meta-analysis

Although uterine contractions in the non-pregnant uterus have been studied extensively, the knowledge gained has not been used in general fertility treatment work-up. In this review paper, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on uterine peristalsis (UP), based on the available literature. This literature shows that UP influences pregnancy chances in both natural and artificial cycles. Although the physiological background of these contractions is not completely clear, we know that several factors can be of influence, like uterine pathologies and hormones. Several options to alter pregnancy outcome by interfering with uterine contractions have been studied. Our meta-analysis on therapeutic options shows positive results of progesterone at time of embryo transfer in IVF cycles or prostaglandins at time of intrauterine insemination, although the quality of evidence is low. These therapies are probably most beneficial in selected groups of patients with abnormal contraction patterns. The introduction of an objective and user-friendly UP measuring tool suitable for use in daily practice would make it possible to identify and monitor these patients. We suggest that future research should focus on the physiology of initiation of UP and on the development of an effective standard measuring tool.

Uterine fibroid therapy using interventional radiology mini-invasive treatments: current perspective

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors of unclear etiopathology that affect the female reproductive tract. They are responsible for considerable morbidity and deterioration of life quality, and may have a negative impact on the reproductive system as well. Besides surgery aided by uterus-saving techniques, several minimally invasive procedures are now available within the field of interventional radiology that represent a valid solution for women who desire pregnancy and relief from disease-specific symptomatology. The main advantages offered by these techniques are low grade of invasiveness and short times of hospitalization. The most diffuse techniques are uterine artery embolization (UAE) and magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). UAE is an endovascular procedure whose goal is obtained by provoking ischemia of the uterine vessels. MRgFUS is a thermoablation procedure that selectively ablates the symptomatic fibroids. In this review study, both procedures will be described, including a description of technical details, indications, contraindications, complications, and outcomes.

Uterine anatomy and function on cine magnetic resonance imaging

The female reproductive organ undergoes dynamic morphological changes under the influence of hormonal stimuli, and particularly those mediated by estrogen and progesterone. The uterus changes both its morphological appearance and its functional movements in function of these influences. Functionally, the uterus is known to exert two kinds of inherent contractility: sustained uterine contractions and uterine peristalsis. The former is focal and consists of the sporadic bulging of the myometrium, while the latter is rhythmic and manifests itself as the subtle stripping movement in the subendometrial myometrium. The mechanisms underlying these uterine movements, their relationship and their correlation to age, pharmaceutical administration, and a variety of gynecologic and obstetrical problems remain under discussion. Cine MR imaging may offer the potential to directly observe the changes undergone by the uterus in relation to important functions such as fertility and menstrual problems.

Potential causes of subfertility in patients with intramural fibroids

BACKGROUND

Intramural leiomyomas have been long debated as a potential cause of infertility and pregnancy loss.

FINDINGS

Previous research has linked intramural fibroids to defective implantation, as well as to abnormal peristaltic events of the uterine smooth muscle. Previous reports describe the effects of intramural fibroids on normal human fertility and early pregnancy loss, specifically in regards to implantation failure.

CONCLUSION

A thorough understanding of prior research may direct new research focus, leading to better understanding of leiomyoma-associated infertility.

3 T MRI uterine peristalsis: comparison of symptomatic fibroid patients versus controls

AIM

To compare uterine peristalsis between symptomatic fibroid patients and normal subjects and to determine the possible effect of fibroid characteristics on uterine peristalsis at high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study included 20 symptomatic fibroid patients (age range 39-53 years) and 20 normal subjects (age range 19-46 years). MRI images were obtained during the peri-ovulatory phase using 3 T MRI using a sagittal T2 turbo spin-echo sequence and a half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo sequence for display on cine mode. Two radiologists independently evaluated the images for the presence of uterine peristalsis by confidence level. In cases where peristalsis was present, the images were also evaluated for peristalsis frequency and direction. For fibroid patients, uterine and index fibroid volume, fibroid burden and index fibroid location were also recorded.

RESULTS

Uterine peristalsis was significantly decreased in symptomatic fibroid patients compared with normal controls (p < 0.01). Peristalsis frequency in fibroid patients was also lower than in normal subjects. Direction of peristalsis was cervix-to-fundus for the majority of fibroid patients and controls. There was no significant relationship between fibroid characteristics, such as uterine volume, index fibroid volume, index fibroid location, and fibroid number in fibroid patients with, and fibroid patients without peristalsis.

CONCLUSION

In women with symptomatic fibroids, the presence of uterine peristalsis is significantly decreased compared to normal controls on 3 T cine MRI. The presence of fibroids appears to disturb the normal conduction of uterine peristalsis and may interfere with fluid (e.g., menses, sperm) transport.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the normal human uterus in vivo at 3 tesla: comparison of DTI parameters in the different uterine layers

PURPOSE

To investigate the differences in the fiber architecture and related diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters among different uterine layers of the normal human uterus in vivo at 3 Tesla (T).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DTI of the uterus was performed for nine healthy women of reproductive age on a 3T scanner. A volume of interest (VOI) was drawn for the outer myometrium (OM), junctional zone (JZ), and endometrium (EM). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), and maximum fiber length were compared using paired Student's t-tests. Fibers were classified into four groups and were visually evaluated.

RESULTS

ADC (×10(-3) mm(2) /s) was highest for OM (1.12), followed by EM (0.97) and JZ (0.83) (OM versus JZ, P < 0.0001; JZ versus EM, P = 0.0001; OM versus EM, P = 0.0057). FA was highest for JZ (0.297), followed by OM (0.257) and EM (0.186) (OM versus JZ, P = 0.0002; JZ versus EM, P < 0.0001; OM versus EM, P < 0.0001). Fibers were longest in OM (42.0 mm), followed by JZ (34.2 mm) and EM (20.0 mm). Circularly oriented fibers were observed in 69% in OM and in 70% in JZ.

CONCLUSION

DTI of the uterus in vivo revealed layer-wise differences in the microstructure of the uterus.