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Uterine Artery Embolization in 101 Cases of Uterine Fibroids: Do Size, Location, and Number of Fibroids Affect Therapeutic Success and Complications?

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the size, location, or number of fibroids affects therapeutic efficacy or complications of uterine artery embolization (UAE). Patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids (n = 101) were treated by selective bilateral UAE using 500- to 710-μm polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles. Baseline measures of clinical symptoms, sonography, and MRI taken before the procedure were compared to those taken 1, 3, 6, and 12 months later. Complications and outcomes were analyzed for associations with fibroid size, location, and number. Reductions in mean fibroid volume were similar in patients with single (66.6 ± 21.5%) and multiple (67.4 ± 25.0%) fibroids (p-value = 0.83). Menstrual improvement occurred in patients with single (93.3%) and multiple (72.2%) fibroids (p = 0.18). Changes in submucosal and other fibroids were not significantly different between the two groups (p’s > 0.56). Linear regression analysis between primary fibroid volume as independent variable and percentage reduction of fibroid volume after 1 year yielded an R2 of 0.083 and the model coefficient was not statistically significant (p = 0.072). Multivariate regression models revealed no statistically or clinically significant coefficients or odds ratios for three independent variables (primary fibroid size, total number, and fibroid location) and all outcome variables (percent reduction of uterus and fibroid volumes in 1 year, improvement of clinical symptoms [menstrual, bulk related, and urinary] in 1 year, and complications after UAE). In conclusion, neither the success rate nor the probability of complications was affected by the primary fibroid size, location, or total number of fibroids.

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Acknowledgment

The authors thank Dr. Bakhshandeh for his cooperation in statistical analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Imaging Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Kavous Firouznia & Hossein Ghanaati

  2. Eghbal Hospital, Tehran, Iran

    Mina Sanaati

  3. Research Unit, Medical Imaging Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Amir H. Jalali & Madjid Shakiba

Authors
  1. Kavous Firouznia
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  2. Hossein Ghanaati
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  3. Mina Sanaati
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  4. Amir H. Jalali
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  5. Madjid Shakiba
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Correspondence to Kavous Firouznia.

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Firouznia, K., Ghanaati, H., Sanaati, M. et al. Uterine Artery Embolization in 101 Cases of Uterine Fibroids: Do Size, Location, and Number of Fibroids Affect Therapeutic Success and Complications?. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 31, 521–526 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-007-9288-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-007-9288-y

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