Abstract
Adenomyosis is a challenging clinical condition that is commonly being diagnosed in women of reproductive age.
To date, many aspects of the disease have not been fully understood, making management increasingly difficult.
Over time, minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment methods have developed as more women desire uterine
preservation for future fertility or to avoid major surgery. Several uterine-sparing treatment options are now
available, including medication, hysteroscopic resection or ablation, conservative surgical methods, and high-
intensity focused ultrasound each with its own risks and benefits. Uterine artery embolization is an established
treatment option for uterine fibroids and has recently gained ground as a safe and cost-effective method for
treatment of uterine adenomyosis with promising results. In this review, we discuss current trends in the
management of uterine adenomyosis with a special focus on uterine artery embolization as an alternative to
hysterectomy.
Keywords
Adenomyosis, Uterine artery embolization, Hysterectomy
Key points
/C15Uterine artery embolization (UAE) seems to be the
most promising uterine-sparing, minimally invasive
treatment option for adenomyosis.
/C15Results of ongoing randomized controlled trial
(QUESTA) will soon show whether UAE can be
validated as a treatment option for adenomyosis.
/C15Ability to preserve fertility will be one of the main
factors determining whether UAE can replace
hysterectomy in treatment of adenomyosis, but
further randomized controlled trials are needed.
Introduction
Adenomyosis is defined by the abnormal location of
endometrial tissue within the myometrium associated
with hypertrophy or hyperplasia of the myometrial
stroma [ 1, 2]. Although pathogenesis and etiology of
adenomyosis remain unknown, two main theories have
been proposed: invagination of the endometrial basal
layer and metaplasia of embryonic stem cells [ 3]. Preva-
lence of adenomyosis varies widely from 5 to 70% [ 4–7]
with recent studies showing about 20% prevalence [ 8–
10] among which the majority were premenopausal.
Despite the absence of specific (pathognomonic) diag-
nostic features for uterine adenomyosis, typical symp-
toms include menorrhagia, chronic pelvic pain, and
dysmenorrhea [ 11]. These symptoms are commonly en-
countered in other gynecological disorders including
leiomyomas and endometriosis, often confounding the
clinical diagnosis [ 12].
For more than a century, diagnosis was dependent on
histopathologic examination of post-hysterectomy speci-
mens till the introduction of noninvasive ultrasound and
MR techniques [ 13]. Since then, several studies have il-
lustrated high sensitivities and specificities for both
two-dimensional transvaginal sonography (TVS) and
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [ 13–17]. Current
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* Correspondence:
[email protected]
1Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Koliat Al Tob
Street, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
Insights into ImagingDessouky et al. Insights into Imaging (2019) 10:48
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-019-0732-8
treatment options for symptomatic adenomyosis include
hysterectomy, medication, conservative surgery, or min-
imally invasive techniques including uterine artery
embolization [ 18]. To date, hysterectomy remains the
definitive treatment. This is mainly due to difficult diag-
nosis, the diffuse nature of the disease, and little
evidence-based literature needed to standardize treat-
ments [ 19]. This consequently results in a management
dilemma, particularly in symptomatic patients who wish
to preserve their uterus [ 18].
Uterine artery embolization (UAE) was first described
in 1995 by Ravina et al. [ 20] then later established as an
effective treatment option for patients with symptomatic
uterine fibroids [ 21, 22]. Since then, UAE has been in-
vestigated as a noninvasive treatment option for adeno-
myosis with initial promising results [ 23, 24]. What
remains to be known is whether UAE can be validated
as a safer, noninvasive, uterine-sparing alternative to
hysterectomy. This article summarizes current trends in
management of uterine adenomyosis with special focus
on the emerging role of UAE.
Etiology
The precise etiology and pathophysiology leading to the
development of adenomyosis remains undetermined.
Several theories have been introduced, including trau-
matic, immunological, hormonal, metaplastic, and stem
cell [ 25]. Traumatic and immunological theories suggest
disruption of endometrial-myometrial interface with in-
vagination of eutopic (normally located) endometrial
cells [ 26, 27], while hormonal, metaplastic, and stem cell
theories rely on the altered behavior of atopic (displaced)
cells [ 28–30]. These mechanisms, in addition to various
risk factors, such as age, parity, previous uterine surgery,
smoking, ectopic pregnancy, antidepressant, and tamoxi-
fen therapies, are believed to contribute to the develop-
ment of adenomyosis [ 19]. Regardless of etiology,
histopathologic features remain the same, and definitive
diagnosis is established by the presence of “ectopic,
non-neoplastic, endometrial glands and stroma sur-
rounded by hypertrophic and hyperplastic myometrium ”
on hysterectomy specimens [ 1].
Diagnosis
Adenomyosis remains an underdiagnosed condition.
This is largely due to lack of pathognomonic symptoms
related to this condition [ 31]. Symptomatic patients
varyingly present with menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea,
chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and subfertility [ 32–
34], and up to 30% of patients are asymptomatic [ 34].
Furthermore, confounding coexisting pathologies (usu-
ally fibroids and endometriosis) add to the difficulty of
diagnosis, as both entities present with similar clinical
features [ 31].
Role of ultrasound and MRI in diagnosis
With the introduction and advancement of ultrasound
and MR techniques, various criteria have been utilized
in the noninvasive narrowing of the clinical differen-
tial [ 15, 35, 36], determining the depth of myometrial
invasion and monitoring treatment response [ 37].
Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) represents a cost-effective
initial screening modality for adenomyosis. Ultrasound fea-
tures of adenomyosis can be divided into direct or indirect
features (Fig. 1). Direct features are due to the presence of
endometrial tissue within the myometrium, and indirect
features are due to a hypertr ophied myometrium as de-
scribed by Atri et al. [ 38]. T able1 describes ultrasound fea-
tures of adenomyosis as described in previous literature
[14, 16, 38–43]. To report the diagnostic accuracy of TVS
in adenomyosis, several meta-analyses have been published
[17, 44–46]. Estimated pooled sensitivities of 72 to 82%,
pooled specificities of 81 to 85%, and pooled positive likeli-
hood ratios 3.7 to 4.67 have been reported [ 17, 44]; how-
ever, one meta-analysis suggested that variability between
studies does not allow for accurate statistical pooling [ 45].
With the introduction of col or and power Doppler ultra-
sound, three-dimensional TVS and elastography techniques
to the work-up of adenomyosis, there is promise for further
improvement in diagnostic accuracy [46].
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents a
second line, detailed imagin g modality for the detec-
tion of adenomyosis (Fig. 2). Similar to ultrasound,
various direct and indirect features can be used to
describe adenomyosis, but need more knowledge of
uterine anatomy and its cyclic variations [ 36]. Table 1
describes MRI features of adenomyosis as described
in previous literature [ 14–16, 35, 47]. Few prospective
studies have evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of MRI
in the diagnosis of adenomyosis [ 15, 16, 48]. These
studies have reported sen sitivity between 70 and 93%
and specificities between 86 and 93%. Despite being
less operator dependent, MRI needs more reader ex-
perience and optimization of imaging technique to
achieve higher diagnostic accuracy [ 36].
Classification of adenomyosis
The use of complex imaging techniques has revealed
various subtypes of adenomyosis, often associated with
histopathologic variation in glandular and muscular
components [ 31]. Furthermore, initial studies have
linked various imaging criteria to symptoms of adeno-
myosis [ 49–51]. Therefore, the need for a more holistic
approach to identify various disease characteristics incorp-
orating symptomatology, morphology, and pathologic fea-
tures is rising in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy
and adequately guide treatment decisions. Important fac-
tors to be included in classification systems would be the
site and location of pathology, configuration, and size/
Dessouky et al. Insights into Imaging (2019) 10:48 Page 2 of 9
volume relative to the total myometrial thickness [ 31].
Most recent ultrasound and MR classification and report-
ing systems have been developed by Van den Bosch et al.
[52] and Bazot [ 36, 53] respectively, but the clinical rele-
vance remains to be tested.
Treatment
As with many aspects of adenomyosis, treatment re-
mains controversial. Important factors to be considered
and discussed with patients are age, symptom severity,
desire for future conception, and associated comorbidi-
ties [ 32, 54, 55]. Recent studies estimate a prevalence of
adenomyosis among females younger than 40 years to be
about 20–30%, while in the rest of the patients, diagnosis
is usually established in the fourth or fifth decade [ 55–57].
Furthermore, diffuse adenomyosis, depth of invasion, and
coexisting fibroids and/or endometriosis are associated
with increased frequency/severity of symptoms and repro-
ductive complications [ 31, 49, 58–60]. Currently, treat-
ment is on a case by case basis, and hysterectomy remains
the definitive treatment in patients who are willing and do
not wish for future fertility. With the introduction of
assisted reproductive techniques, delayed age of concep-
tion, and availability of minimally invasive treatment op-
tions, the shift from hysterectomy as the “go to ” option
seems inevitable.
Medical treatment
Medical treatment is the first-line treatment option
for adenomyosis aiming to relieve symptoms and
maintain fertility with the least possible side effect.
This is achieved by disrupting pathways leading to
Fig. 1 Direct and indirect imaging features of adenomyosis on ultrasound. a Small posterior wall myometrial cysts (open arrows). b Poorly
defined endo-myometrial interface (solid arrow). c Diffuse myometrial heterogeneity with hyperechoic linear striations (three arrows). d Diffuse
asymmetric widening of the posterior myometrial wall with hyperechoic nodules (four arrows)
Table 1 Direct and indirect imaging features of adenomyosis
Imaging
feature
Ultrasound description MR description
Direct
features
Tiny myometrial cysts Tiny myometrial cysts
Hyperechoic nodules or striations Myometrial foci of high signal intensity on T1-
weighted imagesPoor definition of the endometrial-myometrial interface
Indirect
features
Diffuse myometrial heterogeneity associated thin hypoechoic linear striations within a
heterogeneous myometrium
Junctional zone thickening
Abnormal myometrial signal intensity
Diffuse asymmetric or symmetric widening of the myometrial walls Large, regular, asymmetric uterus without
leiomyomas
Dessouky et al. Insights into Imaging (2019) 10:48 Page 3 of 9
inflammation, neuroangiogenesis, and impaired apoptosis
[61]. Currently, several hormonal and non-hormonal op-
tions, namely gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
analogues, progestins, combined oral contraceptives, and
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are being used in
an “off label ” manner for the symptomatic treatment of
adenomyosis [57, 62]. Also, newer drugs, such as aroma-
tase inhibitors, have been investigated by Badawy et al.
and Tosti et al. [ 63, 64], while other therapies such as se-
lective progesterone receptor modulators, GnRH antago-
nists, valproic acid, and anti-platelet therapies are still
under investigation [55].
The main advantage of medication is symptomatic re-
lief without the need for surgical treatment. Neverthe-
less, many drawbacks still need to be addressed. This
includes the temporary relieve of symptoms, and the
common (i.e., menopausal symptoms, irregular bleeding,
amenorrhea) and occasionally severe (i.e., thrombo-
embolic) side effects of some drugs. Lack of evidence
needed to base choice of drugs also raises the need to
perform research into the comparative efficacy of cur-
rently used drugs and develop a more standardized ap-
proach for patients wanting to conceive while using
medication. With a better understanding of pathogenetic
mechanisms of adenomyosis, advances in drug develop-
ment will soon be possible [ 55].
Minimally invasive techniques
These are second-line treatment options aiming to cure
symptoms and preserve the uterus in patients with failed
medical therapy. Conservative surgical treatments aim to
remove adenomyosis and preserve the remaining normal
uterine muscles through laparotomy, laparoscopy, hys-
teroscopy, or combined approach. Excisional adenomyo-
mectomy involves the complete removal of focal lesions
(adenomyomas), while myometrectomy is the surgical
debulking of diffuse adenomyosis. Non-excisional treat-
ments aim to induce necrosis of focal or diffuse
adenomyosis through selective vascular occlusion or fo-
cused ultrasound/thermal energy without direct tissue
dissection. In some cases, a combination of surgical and
non-excisional methods, i.e., hysteroscopic resection/ab-
lation, are used to achieve maximum cytoreduction and
reduce myometrial tissue damage.
Conservative surgical treatment
Debulking/cytoreductive surgeries aim to remove visibly
diseased tissue with repair of the remaining myometrial
tissue [ 65]. Several laparotomic techniques have been
described, including wedge resection and its modifica-
tions, transverse H-shaped incision [ 66], wedge-shaped
uterine wall removal [ 67], double and triple flap [ 68, 69],
and asymmetric dissection methods [ 70]. Laparoscopic
techniques have also been described in more focal path-
ology, where longitudinal or transverse incisions [ 71, 72]
are used to access adenomyotic lesions followed by re-
section using monopolar needle or laser knife [ 73, 74],
bag removal, and repair in layers or using double flaps
[72, 75]. To date, there is no consensus on the best sur-
gical method, but initial results are promising. In a sys-
tematic review by Grigoris et al., dysmenorrhea
reduction, menorrhagia control, and pregnancy success
rates ranged from 81 to 82%, 50 to 69%, and 47 to 61%
among partial versus complete adenomyosis excisions
respectively [ 76], and a recent review by Younes et al.
showed 75% symptom relief on short-term follow-ups
[77]. The main issue with conservative surgical methods
is the high risk for complications, i.e., uterine rupture
and complicated pregnancy [ 54, 65] (especially in diffuse
lesions and on long-term follow-up), making this option
safer in focal adenomyomas.
Hysteroscopic resection/ablation
Hysteroscopic resection/ablation is a combined treatment
Method
involving the dissection and or coagulation of cys-
tic adenomyotic lesions and crypts [ 78–82]. Hysteroscopic
Fig. 2 Coronal (a) and sagittal ( b) T2W 1.5-T pelvic MRI images of a 42-year-old female with persistent pelvic pain following cesarean section
show focal thickening of the posterior uterine wall transitional zone (asterisk) with tiny myometrial cyst (solid arrow head), suggesting
focal adenomyosis
Dessouky et al. Insights into Imaging (2019) 10:48 Page 4 of 9
resections can be performed using yttrium aluminum gar-
net (YAG) laser, rollerball resection, thermal balloon abla-
tion, cryoablation, circulated hot fluid ablation, microwave
ablation, bipolar radiofrequency ablation, and electro-
coagulation [19].
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is the use of
intense ultrasound energy directly targeting abnormal
tissues and their vascularity through heating and cavita-
tion, sparing the normal surrounding tissues. This
process can be guided and monitored through MRI or
ultrasound [ 83]. High-intensity focused ultrasound has
been used since 2008 for the treatment of adenomyosis
[84]. Since then, literature has shown promising results
regarding symptom relief and uterine preservation with
few reported complications (namely pain, numbness, va-
ginal or urinary discharge, fever, skin burn, or contact
dermatitis) [ 83]. Recent studies have also investigated
the use of ultrasound contrast agents (microbubbles)
and hormonal (GnRH) and non-hormonal (metformin)
treatments to enhance the efficacy of HIFU. Microbub-
bles are believed to improve the ablative effects of HIFU
by changing the acoustic characteristics, thus increasing
energy deposition in target tissues, while GnRH and
metformin inhibit cellular proliferation and induce apop-
tosis [ 85–87]. Limited literature on treatment outcomes
for HIFU in adenomyosis has shown highly variable re-
sults regarding symptom and uterine volume reduction
[88–97]. Rates of menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and uter-
ine volume reduction varied widely from 12.4 to 44.8%,
25 to 100%, and 12.7 to 54% respectively, increasing
gradually overtime (from 1 to 24 months). Nevertheless,
paucity of literature comparing HIFU to other minimally
invasive treatment options, limited availability, overall
cost, unknown fertility outcomes, and strict indications,
including lesions no more than 10 cm in diameter [ 88,
90], no pelvic adhesions [ 84, 89, 90, 93], body weight less
than 100 kg [ 98], and abdominal wall thickness less than
5c m [ 93] may limit its widespread use.
Uterine artery embolization (UAE)
Uterine artery embolization is the use of transarterial
catheters aiming to induce more than 34% necrosis
within adenomyotic tissues [ 99, 100]. The technique
for UAE in adenomyosis is similar to that used in fi-
broids. In many parts of the world, UAE is performed
under conscious sedation. Vascular access is gained
t h r o u g haf e m o r a lo rr a d i a la r t e r yp u n c t u r eu s i n g4–
6-French (F) arterial sheath for femoral [ 99, 101]a n d
4-F sheath for radial access [ 102]. Under fluoroscopic
guidance, aortography is followed by selective and
super selective arteriography using 4 –5-F catheters for
the internal iliac and 2 –3-F microcatheters for the
uterine artery and its branches respectively.
Embolization is usually performed using variable-sized
permanent particulate agents [ 103, 104]. Special atten-
tion is paid to visualization of the cervicovaginal and
ovarian artery branches (Fig. 3). Distal embolization
avoids vaginal necrosis and unwanted reflux of micro-
spheres into the ovarian artery [ 105].
Despite being established in fibroids as a cost-effective,
short recovery alternative to surgery with minimal com-
plications [ 19, 23, 100], it was believed to have lower ef-
ficacy in adenomyosis [ 106]. In the past 15 years, UAE
has been considerably studied for the treatment of
symptomatic adenomyosis [ 107]. Earlier studies by
Popovic, Keung, and Zhou et al. demonstrate long-term
improvement in patient symptoms (in over 60% of pa-
tients) and a short-term decrease in uterine volumes (in
over 20% of patients), especially in vascular lesions [ 23,
107, 108]. Current literature by Dueholm and Bruijn et
al. show up to 67% long-term (40 month) treatment suc-
cess and up to and 72% patient satisfaction rates respect-
ively [ 24, 100]. In the latest systematic review and
meta-analysis by de Bruijn et al., patients were divided
into four groups to report short- and long-term out-
comes. Short-term improvement was achieved in 89.6%
of patients with pure adenomyosis and 94.3% of patients
with adenomyosis with fibroids, while long-term im-
provement was achieved in 74.0% of patients with pure
adenomyosis and 84.5% of patients with adenomyosis
with fibroids [ 109].
Overall, UAE shows favorable clinical outcomes, but ran-
domized controlled trials are still lacking [ 110]. In an at-
tempt to fill this gap in knowledge, the “Quality of Life after
Embolization vs Hysterectomy in Adenomyosis” (QUESTA)
trial was set up. This multicenter non-blinded randomized
controlled trial is currently ongoing in the Netherlands. It
has started since November 2015, and its primary outcomes
are expected by May 2020 [101]. The calculated sample size
for this trial was 96 patients (divided into 52 embolization
and 34 hysterectomy, including a 10% expected drop-out)
made on assumptions from the embolization versus hyster-
ectomy (EMMY) trial outcomes [111].
Inclusion criteria were premenopausal women with
symptomati c pure adenomyosis or dominant adeno-
myosis when both adenomyosis and fibroids coexist
and women with an indication for hysterectomy (ei-
ther failed or refused medical treatment). Exclusion
criteria were patients under 18 years of age, pelvic in-
fection, suspected or confirmed malignancy, current
or future desire to conceive, any absolute contraindi-
cation to angiography, deep infiltrating endometriosis
requiring surgery or obstructing the bowel, or coexist-
ing hysteroscopically removable submucous fibroids.
Following selection, TVUS and MRIs were performed
to confirm the adenomyosis and eligible patients are
Dessouky et al. Insights into Imaging (2019) 10:48 Page 5 of 9
informed of the trial. Patients with written informed
consents were randomly allocated (in a 2:1 ratio) be-
tween both experimental intervention (UAE) and
standard care control groups (hysterectomy), while
patients refusing randomization are given the stand-
ard of care (hysterectomy) [ 101].
Following the procedure (UAE or hysterectomy), pa-
tients are followed up immediately, then at 6 weeks, 3
months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months using an
online questionnaire system. Three outcome parameters
were measured. Primary outcomes (quality of life) were
measured at 6, 12, and 24 months using a combination
of World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale and
Short Form-12 Questionnaires. Secondary outcomes
(clinical, symptom and quality of life, recovery related,
cost utility analysis, laboratory, and pathology outcomes)
were measured at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.
Imaging outcomes were also determined to identify po-
tential predictive parameters for therapy effect using
specific TVUS criteria (uterine size/fibroid volume re-
duction in case of associated fibroids, vascular index by
3D power Doppler) at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months
and MRI criteria (uterine size/fibroid volume reduction
in case of associated fibroids, junctional zone reduction,
infarction rate, and presence of endometriosis) at base-
line and at 6 months postprocedure [ 101].
UAE as an alternative to hysterectomy
To date, UAE seems to be the most investigated and
highest potential minimally invasive treatment option
for adenomyosis. Results of ongoing randomized con-
trolled (QUESTA) trial will soon show whether UAE can
be validated as a treatment option for adenomyosis. Al-
though comparative information regarding quality of life,
patient satisfaction, side effects, and complications post
UAE versus hysterectomy will soon be available, ques-
tions regarding fertility post UAE remain to be an-
swered. Current American College of Obstetrics and
Gynecology and Society of Interventional Radiology
guidelines still consider desire for future fertility a rela-
tive contraindication to UAE, but conflicting reports re-
garding effects of UAE on fertility [ 112] still give room
for debate. Nevertheless, further randomized studies are
still needed to give a clear answer for physicians and pa-
tients alike.
In conclusion, lack of information is the main hur-
dle to overcome the complexity in management of
adenomyosis. With randomized controlled trials and
Fig. 3 Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images (of the same patient in Fig. 2) with selective injections of the left ( a)u t e r i n ea r t e r y
demonstrate with multiple tortuous uterine artery branches and ( b) lesion blush (most prominent at the anatomic site of the posterior
uterine wall). Right uterine artery injection (not shown) was unremarkable for pathology. Post-embolization DSA images show occlusion of
toursous feeding vessels ( c) with absence of lesion blush ( d)
Dessouky et al. Insights into Imaging (2019) 10:48 Page 6 of 9
more evidence-based research, optimal treatment pro-
tocols can be developed according to patient needs.
Whether or not UAE can replace hysterectomy will
largely depend on the results of ongoing QUESTA
trial and other randomized trials comparing fertility
outcomes among minimally invasive therapies.
Abbreviations
EMMY: Embolization versus hysterectomy; GnRH: Gonadotropin-releasing
hormone; HIFU: High-intensity focused ultrasound; QUESTA: Quality of Life
after Embolization vs Hysterectomy in Adenomyosis; UAE: Uterine artery
embolization; YAG: Yttrium aluminum garnet
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge Prof. Adel Gamil for providing
ultrasound images for this manuscript.
Funding
No funding was received for this work.
Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.
Authors’ contributions
RD contributed to the manuscript preparation and revision. SAG and MGN
contributed to the manuscript editing and revision, image collection, editing,
and preparation. RM and YL contributed to the preparation of the
manuscript draft and editing and revision of final manuscript. All authors
significantly contributed to the preparation of this manuscript. All authors
read and approved the final manuscript.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Publisher’sN o t e
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Author details
1Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Koliat Al Tob
Street, Zagazig 44519, Egypt. 2Radiology Department, Al-Ahrar Teaching
Hospital, Zagazig, Egypt.
Received: 15 December 2018 Accepted: 14 March 2019
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