Role of uterine artery Doppler flow in fibroid embolization.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether Doppler flow measurements are useful in predicting variables associated with uterine fibroid embolization, including shrinkage of the uterus and myomas, adenomyosis, and uterine fibroid embolization failure.


METHODS
A group of 227 patients with menorrhagia or postmenopausal bleeding secondary to uterine myomas were evaluated with uterine artery Doppler flow sonography before uterine fibroid embolization. Doppler flow measurements were repeated 6 months after uterine fibroid embolization for 188 of the patients. Data were analyzed for correlations between peak systolic velocity and uterine fibroid embolization patient data, including size and shrinkage of the uterus and myomas, embolization particle size, adenomyosis, and uterine fibroid embolization failure.


RESULTS
Initial peak systolic velocity was positively correlated with the size and shrinkage of myomas and uterine volume. Peak systolic velocity was positively correlated with the size and load of embolization particles and was significantly lower (mean, 33.2 cm/s) in patients with adenomyosis than those without adenomyosis (mean, 39.3 cm/s). High peak systolic velocity (>64 cm/s) was a significant predictor of failure. Postembolization peak systolic velocity (mean, 21.85 cm/s) was significantly lower than preembolization peak systolic velocity (mean, 40.33 cm/s) and was not correlated with uterine fibroid embolization variables.


CONCLUSIONS
Doppler flow measurements can aid in predicting adenomyosis and uterine fibroid embolization failure. Postembolization peak systolic velocity did not show value.
McLucas
Bruce
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, USA.
Perrella
Rita
R
Goodwin
Scott
S
Adler
Louis
L
Dalrymple
Jerry
J
D001158:Arteries; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D017211:Treatment Failure; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*