title: Comparison of clinical and MR imaging outcomes after uterine fibroid embolization with Bead Block and Embosphere.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare clinical and imaging outcomes after uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) with Embosphere versus Bead Block microspheres.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our institutional review board approved this HIPAA-compliant study. We conducted a retrospective review of all consecutive UFEs performed for symptomatic uterine fibroids at our academic institution from 2001 to 2008. UFE was performed using Embosphere (n = 70) or Bead Block (n = 55) microspheres. Patient symptoms and MR images were reviewed before and following UFE. The MR images were analyzed for changes in the size and contrast enhancement of the dominant fibroid and the uterus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  125 patients underwent UFE. Pre-treatment characteristics (patient age, presenting symptoms, fibroid location, and volume of the largest fibroid) were similar across groups. Procedure endpoint (near-stasis, reached in 94% of cases), duration, and sedation medication doses were also similar. Clinical follow-up was available in 69 (55%) patients (mean duration: 13.6 months). Of these, 92% had clinical improvement of their main presenting symptom(s) and 3% developed early menopause. MRI follow-up was available in 105 (84%) patients (mean 7.8 months). Mean volume reduction of the largest fibroid was similar after Embosphere (48%) and Bead Block (53%, p = NS). Residual enhancement ≥ 5% in the dominant fibroid was similarly uncommon after Bead Block (19%) or Embosphere (16%, p = NS). Mean uterine volume reduction was similar across groups (38%); no myometrial infarction occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This retrospective study showed no superiority of Embosphere over Bead Block microspheres in terms of clinical and imaging outcomes after UFE.
authors: Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Imaging, Division of Cardiovascular Imaging and Intervention, 55 Fruit Street, GRB-290, Boston, MA 02114-2696, USA. jvpliaw@hotmail.com
authors: Jonathan V P
authors: JV
authors: Liaw
authors: Chun-Ho
authors: CH
authors: Yun
authors: T Gregory
authors: TG
authors: Walker
authors: Sanjeeva P
authors: SP
authors: Kalva
authors: Bertrand
authors: B
authors: Janne d'Othée
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005780:Gelatin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008863:Microspheres; D008875:Middle Aged; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D003287:Contrast Media; D006490:Hemostatics; C496735:trisacryl gelatin microspheres; D005780:Gelatin; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol