The feasibility of trans-abdominal biopsy by ultrasound guiding during uterine artery embolization for benign diseases of uterus

Objective To investigate the feasibility of trans-abdominal biopsy by ultrasound guiding during uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. Methods Trans-abdominal biopsies by ultrasound guiding were performed in 62 cases of uterine fibroids or adenomyosis diagnosed pre-UAE. Multi-points in focus were punctured in single lesion and multi-points in every focus of multiple lesions were punctured. The diagnosis before UAE was made according to clinical symptoms, pelvic ultrasound and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). The pathological diagnosis by biopsy was comparative to its clinical diagnosis before biopsy. The complications were also observed. Results Biopsies were performed successfully in 60 cases with pathological examination, including 52 uterine fibroids and 8 adenomyosis cases. The clinical diagnosis of uterine fibroids or adenomyosis was coincident with the pathology exccpt 2 cases of fibroids diagnosed before biopsy were failed to puncture. Conclusion Trans-abdominal biopsy by ultrasound guiding in uterine artery embolization for benign diseases of uterus is safe and feasible. (J Intervent Radiol, 2006, 15: 466-468)