MR-guided focused ultrasound for the treatment of adenomyosis: current insights

Wenzhuang Chin, Jocelyn R Walbridge, Stephen D QuinnDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK Abstract: Adenomyosis is a benign gynecological condition causing significant morbidity among women of reproductive age. The available treatments are currently limited in number and efficacy. While hysterectomy is curative, it is unacceptable to many women, particularly those wishing to conserve their fertility. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery is a noninvasive treatment method that has been used to effectively treat uterine leiomyomata, but until recently has not been routinely used to treat adenomyosis. This review summarizes the current understanding of adenomyosis and high-intensity focused ultrasound, and the recent research into the safety and efficacy of this technique. Keywords: adenomyosis, efficacy, safety, pregnancy, MRgFUS