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The Feasibility of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound During Uterine Artery Embolization: A Pilot Study

  • Clinical Investigation
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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) during uterine artery embolization (UAE) in order to define the correct end-point of embolization with complete devascularization of all fibroids.

Methods

In this prospective study of 10 consecutive women undergoing UAE, CEUS was performed in the angiographic suite during embolization. When the angiographic end-point, defined as the “pruned-tree” appearance of the uterine arteries was reached, CEUS was performed while the angiographic catheters to both uterine arteries were kept in place. The decision whether or not to continue the embolization was based on the findings at CEUS. The results of CEUS were compared with those of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 1 day as well as 3 months following UAE.

Results

CEUS was successfully performed in all women. In 4 cases injection of particles was continued based on the findings at CEUS despite angiographically complete embolization. CEUS imaging at completion of UAE correlated well with the findings at MRI.

Conclusion

The use of CEUS during UAE is feasible and may increase the quality of UAE.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Center, Oslo, Norway

    Eric J. Dorenberg, Jarl Å. Jakobsen, Knut Brabrand, Geir Hafsahl & Hans-Jørgen Smith

  2. Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 14, 0027, Oslo, Norway

    Jarl Å. Jakobsen & Hans-Jørgen Smith

Authors
  1. Eric J. Dorenberg
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  2. Jarl Å. Jakobsen
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  3. Knut Brabrand
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  4. Geir Hafsahl
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  5. Hans-Jørgen Smith
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eric J. Dorenberg.

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Dorenberg, E.J., Jakobsen, J.Å., Brabrand, K. et al. The Feasibility of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound During Uterine Artery Embolization: A Pilot Study. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 30, 882–887 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-007-9007-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-007-9007-8

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