Embolization of uterine and ovarian artery anastomosis in the treatment of menorrhagia secondary to adenomyosis and leiomyoma

Background: Adenomyosis is a benign uterine condition that causes menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea. Although hysterectomy is considered a definitive treatment, it is not an ideal option for women who wish to preserve their fertility. Minimally invasive procedures such as uterine artery embolization (UAE) have the potential to eliminate surgery for women who have failed conservative and medical treatment for adenomyosis and leiomyoma. Case Presentation: This case report discusses a 54-year-old female who presented with menometrorrhagia refractory to medical treatment. Pelvic T2 MRI revealed findings consistent with adenomyosis and leiomyoma. Elective UAE was performed and follow up was scheduled at 3, 6 and 12 months. Conclusion: This case provides a review of UAE, the efficacy of UAE for the treatment of leiomyoma and adenomyosis, the primary causes of treatment failure, and what has been done to address these shortcomings. UAE has significant promise for the treatment of these disorders. However, establishing UAE as a first line treatment requires further research.