J Korean Soc Radiol.  2009 May;60(5):347-352. 10.3348/jksr.2009.60.5.347.

Long-term MR Imaging after Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Adenomyosis

• Lee SJ
• Kim MD
• Lee HS
• Lee MH
• Kim HJ
• Cho JH
• Cha SH

• KMID: 1471200
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2009.60.5.347

Abstract

PURPOSE: We wanted to assess the long-term follow-up MR (LTFU-MR) imaging of adenomyosis that was treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From 1998 to 2000, 22 patients who underwent UAE for symptomatic adenomyosis were enrolled. The pattern of adenomyosis was divided into two categories: focal (n=14) and diffuse type(n=8). All the patients underwent contrast-enhanced MR imaging 3 months before embolization and over 3 years after embolization. The MR findings for the volume change and the existence and alteration of necrosis ere analyzed.
RESULTS
In the focal adenomyosis, LTFU-MR revealed contrast enhancement in the completely necrotized area before in five out of seven patients and persistent necrosis with atrophy in the remaining two cases. In the six cases without necrosis, four showed global enlargement of the uterus. In the eight patients with diffuse adenomyosis, LTFU-MR revealed contrast enhancement in the necrotized area in four of the patients. Of the remaining four patients who had no necrosis, two showed global enlargement of the uterus.
CONCLUSION
LTFU-MR revealed three common patterns: persistent necrosis or atrophy, viable tissue replacement in the previously necrotized area and global enlargements of the uterus.

MeSH Terms

Adenomyosis
Atrophy
Endometriosis
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Necrosis
Uterine Artery
Uterine Artery Embolization
Uterus