Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery for uterine fibroids: relationship between the therapeutic effects and signal intensity of preexisting T2-weighted magnetic resonance images.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to clarify the relationship between the signal intensity of T2-weighted magnetic resonance images and the therapeutic effect of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) on uterine fibroids.


METHODS
Ninety-five fibroids in 63 patients were classified into 3 types based on the signal intensity of T2-weighted magnetic resonance images as follows: type 1, low intensity; type 2, intermediate intensity; type 3, high intensity. The treated area ratio of MRgFUS and the volume reduction ratio 6 months after treatment were used as the indices of therapeutic effect.


RESULTS
The treated area ratio of type 3 fibroids was the lowest among the 3 types (P < .01). The volume reduction ratio correlated with the treated area ratio (r = 0.64; P < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of MRgFUS correlates with the signal intensity of T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. Type 1 and type 2 fibroids are suitable candidates for MRgFUS, whereas type 3 fibroids are not.
Funaki
Kaoru
K
Department of Gynecology, Shinsuma Hospital, Hyogo, Japan. funakikaoru@ybb.ne.jp
Fukunishi
Hidenobu
H
Funaki
Tsuyoshi
T
Sawada
Katsuhiro
K
Kaji
Yasushi
Y
Maruo
Takeshi
T
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*