Article Text
Abstract
Objective To study uterine vasculature following uterine artery embolization (UAE) using Duplex Doppler ultrasound.
Study Design Women (n=34) with symptomatic fibroids randomised to undergo UAE or myomectomy were recruited and subjected to Doppler ultrasound examination of the uterine arteries (UAs) at pretreatment, 24 h, 6 weeks and 6 months post-treatment. Eight women randomised to myomectomy were similarly studied.
Outcome Measures Changes in UA Doppler flow characteristics and indices before and after UAE and myomectomy.
Results Bilateral flow was seen pretreatment in 58.8%, in 47.1% at 6 weeks and in 29.4% women at 6 months. No significant correlation was seen between the pretreatment uterine volume, or dominant fibroid and PI (Pulsatility Index), RI (Resistance Index) and peak systolic velocities (PSV) bilaterally values of the UA with a median uterine volume reduction of 23% at 6 weeks and 30% at 6 months. No significant correlation was seen between reduction in the size of dominant fibroid and the Doppler indices.
Conclusion Large and multiple uterine fibroids impair Doppler ultrasound studies of the uterine vasculature. There appears to be no correlation between UA Doppler indices and the outcome of UAE.