Uterine Artery Embolization for Leiomyomas: Examination of Correlation Between Degree of Leiomyoma Perfusion Determined by Enhanced MR i-Drive Method and Leiomyoma Volume Change on MR Image

Objectives: To evaluate the correlations of leiomyoma volume reduction with the perfusion pattern of leiomyomas and signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Methods: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed on 11 patients with 35 symptomatic uterine leiomyomas before and 3 and 6 months after uterine artery embolization (UAE). The correlation between leiomyoma perfusion pattern and percent leiomyoma volume reduction was assessed. Results: The mean percent leiomyoma volume reductions were 41.1% 3 months and 58.4% 6 months after UAE. The mean percent volume reductions of highly perfused leiomyomas were 58.6% 3 months and 85.7% 6 months after UAE. The reduction rates of poorly perfused leiomyomas were 37.9% 3 months and 49.1% 6 months after UAE. Conclusions: Well-perfused leiomyomas are more likely to reduce in leiomyoma volume. It is thought that a patient with a well-perfusion myoma is a good candidate for UAE.