Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of diffuse adenomyosis: long-term follow-up analysis

Objective To evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of uterine artery embolization(UAE) in treating diffuse adenomyosis. Methods During the period from 2007 to 2012,UAE was carried out in 19 female patients with MRI-proved symptomatic diffuse adenomyosis. Follow-up examination was conducted at 6,12,18,24 and 36 months after the treatment. MRI findings,the degree of dysmenorrhea and the improvement of anemia were analyzed. Results Anemic condition was corrected in about three months after the treatment in all 19 patients. MRI showed that uterine volume decreased significantly within12 months,with a mean reduction of 51.97%. The degree of dysmenorrhea was relieved,which was more obvious within 24 months,although a tendency to recur was seen in 7 patients after 24 months. MRI demonstrated newly-developed small lesions in 4 of the seven cases. Conclusion For diffuse adenomyosis,UAE can significantly relieve patient's symptoms with excellent clinical results,although in some patients the clinical symptoms of dysmenorrhea may recur after two years due to the newly-developed small lesions in some patients.