Persistent vaginal discharge after uterine artery embolization for fibroid tumors: cause of the condition, magnetic resonance imaging appearance, and surgical treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to establish the cause of and treatment for chronic vaginal discharge after uterine artery embolization.


METHODS
This was a retrospective review of the diagnosis and treatment of the procedure at 3 months.


RESULTS
In 94% of patients, the condition either completely resolved or diminished to a nonproblematic level.


CONCLUSIONS
The persistent discharge in these patients was due to a superficial cavity within the infarcted fibroid tumor that was communicating with the endometrial cavity through a hole in the endometrium. This situation is indicated by a specific appearance on TII sagittal magnetic resonance images. Hysteroscopic resection of the necrotic fibroid tumor cavity was usually curative.
Walker
Woodruff J
WJ
Royal Surrey County Hospital, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Radiology, Guildford, United Kingdom.
Carpenter
Tyrone T
TT
Kent
Andrew S H
AS
D002908:Chronic Disease; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*; D019522:Vaginal Discharge / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*