Comparison of MRI outcomes of uterine artery embolization for uterine leiomyoma using tris-acryl gelatin microspheres, polyvinyl alcohol spheres, and polyvinyl alcohol particles

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2008 May-Jun;32(3):356-61. doi: 10.1097/RCT.0b013e3180de4968.

Abstract

Objective: Comparison of recurrence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement of uterine fibroids treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) among embolic agents: polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), spherical PVA (SPVA), and tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (GM).

Methods: Pre/post-UAE gadolinium-enhanced MRIs were evaluated for residual enhancement of fibroids after UAE. Data were analyzed using 2-tail Fisher exact test to determine the likelihood of recurrence of enhancement post-UAE among embolic agents.

Results: One hundred one women underwent UAE. A total of 24 (41%) of 59 embolized with PVA, 18 (75%) of 24 with SPVA, and 4 (22%) of 18 with GM showed residual enhancement in some or all fibroids. Statistically significant differences in presence of residual enhancement on follow-up were found between SPVA and PVA (P = 0.0072), and SPVA and GM (P = 0.0015), but not between PVA and GM (P = 0.1756).

Conclusions: Patients embolized with SPVA have a higher risk of having residual enhancement on follow-up MRI than those embolized with PVA or GM.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins / therapeutic use*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic*
  • Female
  • Gelatin / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / diagnosis*
  • Leiomyoma / therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol / therapeutic use*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Uterus / blood supply

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • trisacryl gelatin microspheres
  • Gelatin
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol