Uterine artery embolization for leiomyomas: pre- and postprocedural evaluation with US.
Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonography (US) are commonly used to assess the uterus and pelvis prior to and following uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic leiomyomas (fibroids). Preprocedural US may help identify relative contraindications for UAE, whereas postprocedural US can help determine the quality and quantity of fibroid involution and help identify any complications associated with the procedure. The consulting radiologist should be familiar with certain typical postprocedural US findings, which might otherwise be improperly interpreted, leading to unnecessary intervention. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging or computed tomography will frequently provide the most accurate information in UAE patients with certain pathologic conditions, and early study results suggest that MR imaging may be helpful in predicting treatment response. Nevertheless, US is a readily available first-line imaging modality and a well-accepted method for both pre- and postprocedural evaluation of patients who undergo UAE. A proper understanding of the US findings in this patient population allows objective determination of treatment response and detection of most of the commonly recognized complications that are associated with UAE.
Ghai
Sangeet
S
Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network-Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 585 University Ave, NCSB 1C-553, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2N2.
Rajan
Dheeraj K
DK
Benjamin
Matthew S
MS
Asch
Murray R
MR
Ghai
Sandeep
S
D000328:Adult; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*