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Volumetric MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound versus uterine artery embolisation for treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: comparison of symptom improvement and reintervention rates

  • Interventional
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Abstract

Purpose

To compare the effectiveness of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) with that of uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for treatment of uterine fibroids.

Methods

Between January 2010 and January 2013, 51 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids underwent MR-HIFU. Follow-up and MR imaging were compared to 68 women treated with UAE, who fulfilled eligibility criteria for MR-HIFU – e.g., size (≤ 12 cm) and number (≤ 5) of fibroids. We compared median symptom severity (tSSS), total health-realted quality of life (HRQoL) scores, and reintervention rates. The adjusted effect on symptom relief and HRQoL improvement was calculated using multivariable linear regression. Cox regression was applied to calculate the adjusted risk of reintervention between both treatments.

Results

Median tSSS improved significantly from baseline to three-month follow-up (P < 0.001) for both MR-HIFU (53.1 (IQR [40.6-68.8]) to 34.4 (IQR [21.9-46.9]) and UAE (65.3 (IQR [56.3-74.2]) to 21.9 (IQR [9.4-34.4]). In addition, significantly better HRQoL scores were observed after three months (P < 0.001). However, in multivariate analysis, UAE had a stronger effect on symptom relief and HRQoL improvement than MR-HIFU (P < 0.001). Patients treated with MR-HIFU had a 7.1 (95 % CI [2.00-25.3]; P = 0.002) times higher risk of reintervention within 12 months (18/51 vs. 3/68).

Conclusion

Both MR-HIFU and UAE result in significant symptom relief related to uterine fibroids. However, MR-HIFU is associated with a higher risk of reintervention.

Key Points

• This study compared outcomes between volumetric MR-HIFU and UAE for uterine fibroids.

• Both MR-HIFU and UAE result in significant symptom relief and quality of life improvement.

• UAE had a stronger positive effect on the clinical outcomes.

• Reintervention rate after MR-HIFU ablation was significantly higher than after UAE.

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Acknowledgements

The scientific guarantor of this publication is Prof.dr. M.A.A.J. van den Bosch. The authors of this manuscript declare no relationships with any companies whose products or services may be related to the subject matter of the article. The authors state that this work has not received any funding. One of the authors has significant statistical expertise. Institutional Review Board approval for the study was obtained. Written informed consent was waived by the Institutional Review Board. Some study subjects or cohorts have been previously reported in: doi: 10.1007/s00330-013-2915-x and doi: 10.1007/s00330-011-2262-8. Methodology: retrospective, observational, multicentre study

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, Netherlands

    Marlijne E. Ikink, Robbert J. Nijenhuis, Helena M. Verkooijen, Marianne J. Voogt & Maurice A. A. J. van den Bosch

  2. Department of Gynaecology, St. Elisabeth Hospital Tilburg, Tilburg, Netherlands

    Paul J. H. M. Reuwer

  3. Department of Radiology, St. Elisabeth Hospital Tilburg, Tilburg, Netherlands

    Albert J. Smeets & Paul N. M. Lohle

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  1. Marlijne E. Ikink
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  8. Maurice A. A. J. van den Bosch
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Correspondence to Marlijne E. Ikink.

Appendix

Appendix

Table 4 Main scan parameters used for screening and treatment planning
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Ikink, M.E., Nijenhuis, R.J., Verkooijen, H.M. et al. Volumetric MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound versus uterine artery embolisation for treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: comparison of symptom improvement and reintervention rates. Eur Radiol 24, 2649–2657 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3295-6

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