skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Uterine Artery Embolization in 101 Cases of Uterine Fibroids: Do Size, Location, and Number of Fibroids Affect Therapeutic Success and Complications?

Journal Article · · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
;  [1];  [2]; ;  [3]
  1. Imam Khomeini Hospital, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Medical Imaging Center (Iran, Islamic Republic of)
  2. Eghbal Hospital (Iran, Islamic Republic of)
  3. Medical Imaging Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Research Unit (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the size, location, or number of fibroids affects therapeutic efficacy or complications of uterine artery embolization (UAE). Patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids (n = 101) were treated by selective bilateral UAE using 500- to 710-{mu}m polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles. Baseline measures of clinical symptoms, sonography, and MRI taken before the procedure were compared to those taken 1, 3, 6, and 12 months later. Complications and outcomes were analyzed for associations with fibroid size, location, and number. Reductions in mean fibroid volume were similar in patients with single (66.6 {+-} 21.5%) and multiple (67.4 {+-} 25.0%) fibroids (p-value = 0.83). Menstrual improvement occurred in patients with single (93.3%) and multiple (72.2%) fibroids (p = 0.18). Changes in submucosal and other fibroids were not significantly different between the two groups (p's > 0.56). Linear regression analysis between primary fibroid volume as independent variable and percentage reduction of fibroid volume after 1 year yielded an R{sup 2} of 0.083 and the model coefficient was not statistically significant (p = 0.072). Multivariate regression models revealed no statistically or clinically significant coefficients or odds ratios for three independent variables (primary fibroid size, total number, and fibroid location) and all outcome variables (percent reduction of uterus and fibroid volumes in 1 year, improvement of clinical symptoms [menstrual, bulk related, and urinary] in 1 year, and complications after UAE). In conclusion, neither the success rate nor the probability of complications was affected by the primary fibroid size, location, or total number of fibroids.

OSTI ID:
21094147
Journal Information:
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Vol. 31, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1007/s00270-007-9288-y; Copyright (c) 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0174-1551
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English