Initial results from uterine fibroid embolization for symptomatic leiomyomata.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and short-term efficacy of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids.


METHODS
Bilateral UFE was performed in 61 patients with symptomatic uterine leiomyomata during a 16-month period. Imaging was performed before the procedure and at 3 months and 1 year after the procedure. Questionnaires were obtained at regular intervals after the procedure to assess patient outcome.


RESULTS
All procedures but one were technically successful. Mean clinical follow-up was 8.7 months. Minor complications occurred in five patients during the follow-up period. All were treated without permanent sequelae. Menstrual bleeding was improved in 89%, with 81% of patients moderately to markedly improved. Pelvic pain and pressure was improved in 96% of patients, with moderate to marked improvement in 79%. At initial imaging follow-up (mean, 4.4 months postprocedure), median uterine volume decreased 34% (P = .0001) and the median dominant fibroid volume decreased 50% (P = .0001). Imaging at 1 year (mean, 12.3 months) after the procedure showed continued reduction with a median uterine volume reduction of 48% (P = .0002) and median dominant fibroid volume decrease of 78% (P = .0002).


CONCLUSIONS
In the authors' initial clinical experience, UFE appears effective in controlling symptoms and substantially reducing fibroid volume with few complications.
Spies
J B
JB
Department of Radiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007-2197, USA. spiesj@gunet.georgetown.edu
Scialli
A R
AR
Jha
R C
RC
Imaoka
I
I
Ascher
S M
SM
Fraga
V M
VM
Barth
K H
KH
D000328:Adult; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D001158:Arteries; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000628:therapy*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply