Predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging signal and contrast-enhancement characteristics on post-embolization volume reduction of uterine fibroids.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal and contrast-enhancement features of uterine fibroids before and after embolization, and to determine whether or not there are pre-embolization MRI characteristics that predict the volume reduction of fibroids.


METHODS
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) was carried out in 28 fibroids of 20 patients, all of whom were symptomatic. The patients were prospectively evaluated with T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and gadolinium-enhanced T1 MRI sequences before and 6 months after embolization. The relationship between the characteristics of MRI signal and contrast-enhancement features of fibroids before the procedure and the change in size of the lesions after treatment was investigated.


RESULTS
Before embolization, the mean volume of fibroids was 123 cm3 (8-560 cm3). The decrease rate in fibroid volumes was 44.6% (range 7-70%) 6 months after embolization. Volume reduction was more prominent in fibroids that had a high signal intensity on T2-weighted images and a marked contrast enhancement on T1-weighted images (P < 0.001). However, the volume reduction was insufficient in fibroids with high signal characteristics on pre-contrast T1-weighted images (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
MRI is an effective method for revealing size and signal changes of fibroids after embolization. MRI signal characteristics and the contrast-enhancement pattern of fibroids before embolization can predict tumor volume reduction after embolization.
Harman
M
M
Department of Radiology, University of Yüzüncü Yil, Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkey. drmharman@hotmail.com
Zeteroğlu
S
S
Arslan
H
H
Sengül
M
M
Etlik
O
O
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology
D003287:Contrast Media; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA