Evaluation of junctional zone differential and ratio as possible markers of clinical efficacy in uterine artery embolisation of adenomyosis

Abstract Background Uterine artery embolisation is a recommended method of adenomyosis treatment with good clinical results. Changes in uterine volume and maximal junctional zone thickness (JZmax) after embolisation are thoroughly analyzed in the literature. In contrast changes in other suggested morphological diagnostic markers of adenomyosis (junctional zone differential / JZdiff—and junctional zone ratio / JZratio) are rarely evaluated. This single-centre retrospective study aimed to analyse the changes in morphological parameters used for the MR imaging diagnosis of adenomyosis (including JZdiff and JZratio) after UAE. Clinical effectiveness and safety were also analysed. Materials and methods Patients who underwent UAE for pure adenomyosis from Jan 2008 to Dec 2021 were evaluated. Adenomyosis was diagnosed based on JZmax, JZdiff, and JZratio measured on MR imaging. To assess clinical efficacy, the numerical-analog-quality-of-life (QoL) score was routinely obtained from patients at our centre. MRI morphological data were analysed. Statistical analysis was conducted using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, uni- and multivariate regression models, Pearson product-moment correlation, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results From our database of 801 patients who underwent UAE between Jan 2008 to Dec 2021, preprocedural MR images were available in 577 cases and, 15 patients had pure adenomyosis (15/577, 2.6%). Uterine volume, JZmax, and JZdiff decreased significantly after UAE; QoL score increased significantly. A significant correlation was found between QoL change vs. JZmax and JZdiff change. Permanent amenorrhoea and elective hysterectomy 5 years after UAE were both 7.1%. Conclusion Change of JZdiff after UAE in adenomyosis is a potential marker of clinical success. UAE is a clinically safe and effective treatment for adenomyosis. Graphical Abstract