title: Interventional magnetic resonance imaging cryotherapy of uterine fibroid tumors: preliminary observation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to identify alternatives to hysterectomy. We have developed a transabdominal interventional magnetic resonance imaging-guided cryoablation procedure and report this novel approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  This represents the preliminary and first report of a prospective Institutional Review Board-approved protocol to study interventional magnetic resonance imaging-guided cryoablation of uterine fibroid tumors. Women were selected on the basis of symptoms that were related to uterine fibroid tumors (bleeding, uterine pain, pelvic congestion, compression symptoms) and the absence of any desire for child bearing. A physical examination confirmed the presence of fibroid tumors, and magnetic resonance imaging was performed before the procedure to measure the size and number of fibroid tumors. Patients returned to the interventional magnetic resonance imaging and underwent placement of 3 to 5 probes (2-3 mm) under magnetic resonance imaging-directed guidance. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging determined the size reduction of the lesion, and a clinical evaluation determined the change in symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine patients were treated and had substantial reduction in the uterine size (average, 66% volume reduction), and their primary symptoms have either improved or resolved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first reported review of interventional magnetic resonance imaging-directed cryotherapy of uterine fibroid tumors. This minimally invasive therapy produced shrinkage of the tumor in 8 of our first 9 patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
authors.forename: Bryan D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Cowan
authors.forename: Patrick E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Sewell
authors.forename: Jeffery C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Arriola
authors.forename: Lynda G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Robinette
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003452:Cryosurgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*