Spectrum of imaging findings on MRI and CT after uterine artery embolization

Sachit K Verma, Carin F Gonsalves, Oksana H Baltarowich, Donald G Mitchell, Anna S Lev-Toaff, Diane Bergin
Abdominal imaging · 2010 · doi:10.1007/s00261-008-9483-6 · PMID:19048334
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-13 ⓘ

This pictorial review illustrates the spectrum of MRI and CT findings following uterine artery embolization for fibroids, highlighting expected appearances and complications.

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⚙ AI-generated deep summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-13 · read from full text ⓘ

This pictorial review examines MRI and CT imaging appearances after uterine artery embolization (UAE), focusing on post-procedural findings and complications in patients treated for uterine fibroids. It describes how MRI can be used to assess fibroid infarction, size and location changes, persistent enhancement, evolving necrosis, and related changes in adenomyosis, while CT can show varying calcification patterns that help distinguish embolic material and fibroid involution; it also notes expected gas in the uterus and uterine vessels that should not be mistaken for infection. The authors emphasize that imaging patterns vary by timing after UAE and by procedural success, and that radiologists should recognize both common and uncommon findings requiring urgent intervention. Relevance to endometriosis: while the review is primarily about UAE after fibroids, it explicitly addresses imaging changes in adenomyosis, which is relevant to the endometriosis spectrum.

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Abstract

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an effective treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is typically employed to evaluate the uterus following UAE for fibroid infarction, size, location change, persistent enhancement, changes in adenomyosis, and uterine necrosis. Variable pattern of calcification on computed tomography (CT) can differentiate embolic particles and fibroid involution. CT following UAE may be requested because of acute pelvic pain or chest discomfort or pyrexia and/or for complications that may require treatment in acute phase. Visualization of gas in uterus and uterine vessels following UAE is an expected finding that should not be misinterpreted as a sign of infection. The MRI and CT appearances vary depending upon the time interval after UAE and success of the procedure. Radiologists should be familiar with the range of post-UAE appearances on MRI and CT to better aid clinicians in correct diagnosis and treatment. The main purpose of this pictorial review is to identify the spectrum of findings on MRI and CT performed after UAE, to illustrate UAE-associated common and uncommon MRI and CT appearances and discuss post-UAE complications that require urgent medical or surgical intervention.
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Abstract

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an effective treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is typically employed to evaluate the uterus following UAE for fibroid infarction, size, location change, persistent enhancement, changes in adenomyosis, and uterine necrosis. Variable pattern of calcification on computed tomography (CT) can differentiate embolic particles and fibroid involution. CT following UAE may be requested because of acute pelvic pain or chest discomfort or pyrexia and/or for complications that may require treatment in acute phase. Visualization of gas in uterus and uterine vessels following UAE is an expected finding that should not be misinterpreted as a sign of infection. The MRI and CT appearances vary depending upon the time interval after UAE and success of the procedure. Radiologists should be familiar with the range of post-UAE appearances on MRI and CT to better aid clinicians in correct diagnosis and treatment. The main purpose of this pictorial review is to identify the spectrum of findings on MRI and CT performed after UAE, to illustrate UAE-associated common and uncommon MRI and CT appearances and discuss post-UAE complications that require urgent medical or surgical intervention. Similar content being viewed by others

References

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Radiology 230:329–337 Author information Authors and Affiliations Corresponding author Rights and permissions About this article Cite this article Verma, S.K., Gonsalves, C.F., Baltarowich, O.H. et al. Spectrum of imaging findings on MRI and CT after uterine artery embolization. Abdom Imaging 35, 118–128 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-008-9483-6 Received: Accepted: Published: Issue date: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-008-9483-6

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adenomyosis

MeSH descriptors

Leiomyoma Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tomography, X-Ray Computed Uterine Artery Embolization Uterine Neoplasms Adult Female Humans Hysterosalpingography Leiomyoma Leiomyoma Leiomyoma Middle Aged Uterine Neoplasms Uterine Neoplasms Uterine Neoplasms Uterus Uterus

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