Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis of fibroid location in women achieving pregnancy after uterine artery embolization.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fibroid morphology in a cohort of women achieving pregnancy following treatment with uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic uterine fibroids. A retrospective review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the uterus was performed to assess pre-embolization fibroid morphology. Data were collected on fibroid size, type, and number and included analysis of follow-up imaging to assess response. There have been 67 pregnancies in 51 women, with 40 live births. Intramural fibroids were seen in 62.7% of the women (32/48). Of these the fibroids were multiple in 16. A further 12 women had submucosal fibroids, with equal numbers of types 1 and 2. Two of these women had coexistent intramural fibroids. In six women the fibroids could not be individually delineated and formed a complex mass. All subtypes of fibroid were represented in those subgroups of women achieving a live birth versus those who did not. These results demonstrate that the location of uterine fibroids did not adversely affect subsequent pregnancy in the patient population investigated. Although this is only a small qualitative study, it does suggest that all types of fibroids treated with UAE have the potential for future fertility.
Department of Radiology, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford, UK.
Woodruff J
WJ
Walker
Mark John
MJ
Bratby
D000328:Adult; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018231:Leiomyomatosis / Q000098:blood supply / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy