Improvement in parameters of quality of life and uterine volume reduction after uterine fibroid embolization / Melhora em parâmetros de qualidade de vida e redução do volume uterino após embolização de artérias uterinas

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate improvement in quality of life, reduction of uterine volume, and the correlation between these two variables after uterine fibroid embolization. Methods Data on quality of life before and after uterine fibroid embolization were collected from 60 patients using the Uterine Fibroid Symptom - Quality of Life questionnaire. In 40 of these patients, uterine volume information on magnetic resonance imaging examinations performed before and after uterine fibroid embolization was collected, and compared using the nonparametric Wilcoxon test for paired data. Correlation between quality of life and uterine volume before and after procedure was measured using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results There was significant improvement in quality of life after uterine fibroid embolization on Uterine Fibroid Symptom - Quality of Life questionnaire, in both subscales scores and the total score. There was a significant median reduction of -37.4% after uterine fibroid embolization, but no correlations between uterine volume and quality of life scores were found before or after embolization. Conclusion Uterine embolization is an alternative to treat uterine fibroids, resulting in relief of symptoms and better quality of life. Although reduction in uterine volume plays an important role in the evaluation of therapeutic success, it does not necessarily have a definitive correlation with relief of symptoms.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a melhora na qualidade de vida e a redução do volume uterino, além da correlação entre essas duas variáveis, após a embolização de artérias uterinas. Métodos Foram coletados dados de 60 pacientes sobre qualidade de vida antes e depois da embolização de artérias uterinas com a aplicação do questionário Uterine Fibroid Symptom - Quality of Life. Informações sobre o volume uterino em exames de ressonância magnética realizada antes e depois do procedimento foram coletadas em 40 dessas pacientes e comparadas por meio de teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon para dados pareados. A correlação entre qualidade de vida e volume uterino antes e depois do procedimento foi determinada pelo coeficiente de Spearman. Resultados Houve melhora significativa na qualidade de vida das pacientes após embolização de artérias uterinas nos escores do questionário Uterine Fibroid Symptom - Quality of Life, tanto das subescalas como do total. Houve redução mediana significativa (-37,4%) no volume uterino após embolização de artérias uterinas, embora não tenha sido estabelecida qualquer correlação entre volume uterino e escores de qualidade de vida antes e depois da embolização. Conclusão A embolização de artérias uterinas é alternativa para o tratamento de fibroide uterina, resultando na melhora dos sintomas e da qualidade de vida. Embora a redução do volume uterino seja fator importante na avaliação do sucesso terapêutico, não está necessariamente correlacionada com melhora de sintomas.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis and Treatment Strategy Choice of Esophageal Leiomyoma

OBJECTIVES: Esophageal leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor of the esophagus, and it originates from mesenchymal tissue. This study analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics of esophageal leiomyoma and aimed to evaluate the role of endoscopic ultrasonography in the diagnosis and treatment selection for these lesions. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-five patients who had suspected esophageal leiomyomas in endoscopic ultrasonography were enrolled at the Endoscopy Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University from January 1st, 2009 to May 31th, 2015. The main outcomes included the demographic and morphological characteristics, symptoms, comparisons of diagnosis and treatment methods, adverse events, and prognosis. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-seven patients were diagnosed as having an esophageal leiomyoma by pathological examination. The mean patient age was 50.57±9.983 years. In total, 62.9% of the lesions originated from the muscularis mucosa, and the others originated from the muscularis propria. The median distance to the incisors was 30±12 cm. The median diameter was 0.72±0.99 cm. As determined by endoscopic ultrasonography, most existing leiomyomas were homogeneous, endophytic, and spherical. The leiomyomas from the muscularis mucosa were smaller than those from the muscularis propria and much closer to the incisors (p<0.05). SMA (smooth muscle antibody) (97.2%) and desmin (94.5%) were positive in the majority of patients. In terms of treatments, patients preferred endoscopic therapies, which led to less adverse events (e.g., intraoperative bleeding, local infection, pleural effusion) than surgical operations (p<0.05). The superficial leiomyomas presented less adverse events and better recovery (p<0.05) than deep leiomyomas. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasonography has demonstrated high accuracy in the diagnosis of esophageal leiomyomas and provides great support in selecting treatments; however, EUS cannot completely avoid misdiagnosis, so combining it with other examinations may be a good strategy to solve this problem.

Evaluación económica del tratamiento antimicrobiano en pacientes histerectomizadas por fibroma uterino / Economic evaluation of antimicrobial treatment in hysterectomized patients for uterine fibroma

ANTECEDENTES: Las infecciones constituyen la principal causa de morbilidad luego de las cirugías ginecológicas. Debido al uso irracional de los antimicrobianos y la poca adherencia a los protocolos de actuación, se decidió investigar la alternativa clínica más eficiente entre las existentes para alcanzar un objetivo sanitariamente deseable. OBJETIVOS: Realizar una evaluación económica del uso de los antimicrobianos en las pacientes operadas con diagnóstico de fibroma uterino en el Hospital "Agostinho Neto", Guantánamo, Cuba, durante el periodo abril-mayo de 2012 para lograr un uso racional de estos medicamentos, disminuir riesgo de resistencia antimicrobiana, incidencia de infección de la herida quirúrgica y costos por concepto de medicamentos. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo, en base a revisión de historias clínicas, se determinó la edad de las pacientes, tipo de cirugía, antimicrobianos más utilizados y duración del tratamiento. Se realizó una evaluación económica total del tipo minimización de costos. RESULTADOS: El 61,64% de las pacientes tenían entre 41-50 años. El 81,62% de las cirugías se clasificó como limpia contaminada; el antimicrobiano más utilizado fue la cefazolina como monoterapia (51,28%); el 84,62% de las pacientes recibió tratamiento durante 2 días; el 100% de las prescripciones resultó inadecuada; el costo global por concepto de antimicrobianos fue de 3.242,65 pesos cubanos y se hubiese obtenido un ahorro aproximado de 827,80 pesos cubanos de haberse aplicado correctamente las protocolos de actuación. CONCLUSIÓN: Los profesionales del servicio de ginecología no se adhieren a los protocolos de profilaxis antibiótica preoperatoria, aumentando los costos por medicamentos.

BACKGROUND: Infections are the main cause of morbidity after gynecological surgeries. Due to the irrational use of antimicrobials and little adherence to protocols, it decided to investigate the most efficient clinical alternative among existing sanitary desirable to reach a goal. AIMS: To perform an economic evaluation of the use of antimicrobials in patients operated with a diagnosis of uterine fibroid in the "Agostinho Neto" Hospital, Guantanamo, Cuba, during the period April-May 2012 to achieve a rational use of these drugs reduce risk of antimicrobial resistance, incidence of surgical wound infection and costs for drugs. METHOD: A retrospective study was made, the medical records were reviewed, the patient age, type of surgery, most commonly used antimicrobial and duration of treatment was determined: an overall economic assessment, the type was minimization of costs. RESULTS: 61.64% of the patients were between 41-50 years old; the 81.62% of the surgeries were classified as clean contaminated; cefazolin was the most antimicrobial used as monotherapy (51.28%); 84.62% of the patients received treatment for 2 days; 100% of prescriptions was inadequate; the overall cost was 3,242.65 Cuban pesos and has been obtained savings of approximately 728.80 Cuban pesos if the protocols have been correctly applied. CONCLUSION: Gynecology service professionals do not adhere to the protocols of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, increasing drug cost.

Predictive factors for pelvic magnetic resonance in response to arterial embolization of a uterine leiomyoma

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive methods are used as alternatives to treat leiomyomas and include uterine artery embolization, which has emerged as a safe, effective method. This study aims to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging predictors for a reduction in leiomyoma volume in patients undergoing uterine artery embolization. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study was performed at a university hospital. We followed 50 symptomatic premenopausal women with uterine leiomyomas who underwent uterine artery embolization. We examined 179 leiomyomas among these patients. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed one month before and six months after uterine artery embolization. Two radiologists who specialized in abdominal imaging independently interpreted the images. Main Outcome Measures: The magnetic resonance imaging parameters were the uterus and leiomyomas volumes, their localizations, contrast perfusion pattern and node-to-muscle ratio. RESULTS: Six months after treatment, the average uterine volume reduction was 38.91%, and the leiomyomas were reduced by 55.23%. When the leiomyomas were submucosal and/or had a higher node-to-muscle ratio in the T2 images, the volume reduction was even greater (greater than 50%). Other parameters showed no association. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that symptomatic uterine leiomyomas in patients undergoing uterine artery embolization exhibit volume reductions greater than 50% by magnetic resonance imaging when the leiomyomas are submucosal and/or had a high node-to-muscle ratio in the T2 images. .

Embolização das artérias uterinas com partículas de PVA-PVAC esférico como preparo para posterior ressecção cirúrgica de miomas / Uterine artery embolization with spherical pva-pvac particles as preparation for surgical resection of miyomas

OBJETIVO: avaliar a utilização de uma nova partícula de polivinil álcool e polivinil acetato (PVA-PVAc) esférica, para embolização das artérias uterinas, em pacientes portadoras de mioma, com indicação cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: doze pacientes foram submetidas à embolização de miomas uterinos com partículas de PVA-PVAc. Três a nove meses depois, realizou-se uma laparotomia com miomectomia. Analisaram-se os seguintes parâmetros: volume do útero e do maior mioma; concentrações do hormônio folículo estimulante e de hemoglobina; sangramento menstrual (número de dias e de absorventes utilizados), sinais e sintomas antes do tratamento, após a embolização e após a miomectomia. RESULTADOS: a média de idade foi 37 anos e a média do volume uterino, previamente ao tratamento, de 939,3cc. Três anos após a embolização, observou-se diminuição do volume uterino (p=0,0005). Houve melhora na concentração de hemoglobina (p= 0,0004), com elevação após a embolização, sem variação subsequente à miomectomia. Não ocorreu variação significante do hormônio folículo estimulante, (p=0,17). Não foi constatado nenhum caso de falência ovariana, mas uma das pacientes apresentou atrofia de endométrio. Duas pacientes engravidaram, com bons indicadores obstétricos. Quanto aos sinais e sintomas, houve melhora após a embolização, que se manteve após a miomectomia. CONCLUSÃO: a embolização arterial com partículas de PVA-PVAc esférico mostrou-se promissora no preparo para uma intervenção cirúrgica com retirada dos miomas, pois, associou-se à redução do volume uterino, à diminuição do sangramento operatório e tornou possível a utilização de incisões menores, aumentando a chance de preservação do útero.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a new spherical particle of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate (PVA-PVAc) for uterine artery embolization in patients with myoma with surgical indication. METHODS: twelve patients underwent uterine myoma embolization with PVA-PVAc particles. Three to nine months later, they were submitted to laparotomy with myomectomy. We analyzed the following parameters: volume of the uterus and of the bigger myoma; concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone and hemoglobin; menstrual bleeding (number of days and used absorbents), signs and symptoms before treatment, after embolization and after myomectomy. RESULTS: The mean age was 37 years and mean uterine volume prior to treatment, 939.3 cc. Three years after embolization, there was reduction in uterine volume (p = 0.0005), increase in hemoglobin concentration after embolization (p = 0.0004), without variation after the myomectomy. There was no significant variation of the follicle stimulating hormone (p = 0.17). There was no case of ovarian failure, but one of the patients had endometrial atrophy. Two patients became pregnant, with good obstetric indicators. Signs and symptoms improved after embolization, and remained after myomectomy. CONCLUSION: Arterial embolization with spherical PVA-PVAc particles is promising in the preparation for myoma surgery, since it was associated with a reduction in uterine volume, decrease in intraoperative bleeding and made possible the use of smaller incisions, increasing the chance of preserving the uterus.

RE: Uterine Fibroid Treatment Planning with the Diffusion Weighted Imaging Tool

No abstract available.

Leiomioma vascular bucal: reporte de un caso / Vascular leiomioma: case report

Leiomiomas son neoplasias benignas de músculo liso, poço frecuentes en cavidad bucal, que presentan crecimiento lento y se asemejan a otras lesiones de tejido conectivo. Clinicamente de tamaño entre 0,5 y 3 cm de diámetro, los leiomiomas vasculares generalmente tienen base pedunculada y coloración diversa debido a su ubicación y vascularización. El propósito de este artículo es presentar un reporte de caso de leiomioma vascular en lábio inferior y discutir su etiología, diagnóstico diferencial y tratamiento

Leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle neoplasms, rarely seen in oral cavity, that presents slow growth and are similar to others lesions of conjuntive tissue. Clinically with a size between 0,5 and 3 cm in diameter, vascular leiomyomas generally have pedunculated basis and diverse coloration due to location and vascularity. The purpose of this article is to present a case report of oral vascular leiomyoma in the lower lip and discuss their etiology, differential diagnosis and treatment

Oclusão laparoscópica das artérias uterinas no tratamento de leiomiomas uterinos / Laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion in the treatment of uterine leiomyomas

A procura por procedimentos menos invasivos, e o desejo das mulheres de manter o útero, fazem da oclusão laparoscópica das artérias uterinas no tratamento de leiomiomas uterinos uma alternativa. Este trabalho teve como objetivo revisar os estudos sobre essa cirurgia. Os resultados após as intervenções cirúrgicas relatam redução volumétrica do útero e leiomiomas, com melhora dos sintomas e menos dor no pós-operatório em relação à embolização das artérias uterinas, técnica que utiliza o mesmo conceito da desvascularização do tumor. Quanto ao futuro reprodutivo, os dados não são bem definidos e apresentam-se conflitantes. As recorrências dos sintomas e possível necessidade de novas cirurgias complementares podem causar insatisfação entre as pacientes. Novos estudos são necessários para melhor definir o papel dessa opção terapêutica no tratamento de leiomiomas uterinos

The search for less invasive surgical procedures, and the desire of women to keep the uterus, make laparoscopic occlusion of the uterine arteries an alternative in the treatment of uterine leiomyomas. Current paper reviewed studies on this type of surgery, volume reduction of uterus and leiomyomas, with improvement in symptoms and less pain in the postoperative period in relation to uterine artery embolization, a technique The results showed that after surgical intervention a decrease occurred in uterus volume and leiomyomas, with symptom improvement and less pain in the postoperative period when compared to the embolization of the uterine arteries, a technique that uses the same concept of devascularization of the tumor. Data are not clear with regard to future reproduction and they prove to be conflicting. The recurrence of symptoms and the need for other complementary surgeries may be a cause of dissatisfaction among the patients. Further studies are required to define convincingly the role of the therapeutic option in the treatment

Miomas sintomáticos: ¿miomectomía o embolización de las arterias uterinas? / Symptomatic uterine leiomyoma: myomectomy or uterine artery embolization?

Objetivo: Evaluar las complicaciones asociadas a la miomectomía laparotómica y a la embolización de las arterias uterinas en mujeres con miomas sintomáticos. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo restrospectivo efectuado en el Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo desde el año 2008 al 2010. La población en estudio la conformaron aquellas mujeres sometidas a una miomectomía laparotómica o a una embolización de las arterias uterinas. Se recopilaron las complicaciones registradas en las historias clínicas de las pacientes tras las técnicas. Resultados: La tasa de complicaciones en el grupo de las pacientes sometidas a miomectomía fue de 15,2 por ciento; las más frecuentes fueron fiebre, anemia, necesidad de trasfusión y hematoma subcutáneo. La tasa de complicaciones en el grupo de embolización fue de 4,5 por ciento recogiéndose casos de síndrome postembolización, mioma parido y un caso de histerectomía. Conclusión: La adecuada indicación de cada técnica es fundamental para tener una baja tasa de complicaciones. Se debe tener en cuenta la sintomatología, tipo y número de miomas, edad y deseo genésico de cada paciente.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the complications after laparotomy myomectomy and uterine artery embolization in women with symptomatic uterine leiomyoma. Methods: This was a descriptive and retrospective study of patients who were treated with embolization and myomectomy for leiomyomas from 2008-2010. Complications were measured. Results: The rate of complications collected in the myo-mectomy group was 15.2 percent; there were cases of fever, anemia, need for transfusion and subcutaneous hematoma. The rate of complications collected in the embolization group was 4.5 percent; there were cases of embolization syndrome, transcervical fibroid expulsion and a case of hysterectomy. Conclusion: The suitable indication of every tecnic is fundamental to have a low rate of complications. It is necessary to bear in mind the symptomatology, type and number of myomas and age and reproductive desire of each patient.

Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Fibroids with High Signal Intensity on T2-Weighted MR Imaging

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for treating symptomatic fibroids with high signal intensity (SI) on magnetic resonance (MR) T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 537 cases, consisting of 14 patients with high SI fibroids on T2WI (T2 high group), were retrospectively included and compared with 28 randomly selected patients with low SI fibroids on T2WI (control group). High SI of a predominant fibroid on T2WI was defined as having the same or higher SI than the myometrium. Patient ages ranged from 28 to 52 years (mean, 38.1 years). All patients underwent MRI before and after UAE. Predominant fibroid and uterine volumes were calculated with MR images. Symptom status in terms of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea was scored on a scale of 0-10, with 0 being no symptoms and 10 being the baseline, or initial symptoms. RESULTS: Of the patients in the T2 high group, 13 out of 14 (92.9%) patients demonstrated complete necrosis of the predominant fibroids. The mean volume reduction rates of the predominant fibroids in the T2 high group was 61.7% at three months after UAE, which was significantly higher than the volume reduction rates of 42.1% noted in the control group (p < 0.05). Changes in symptom scores for menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea after UAE (baseline score minus follow-up score) were 4.9 and 7.5 in T2 high group and they were 5.0 and 7.7 in control group, suggesting a significant resolution of symptoms (p < 0.01) in both groups but no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: UAE is effective for uttering fibroids showing high SI on T2WI. The mean volume reduction rate of the predominant fibroids three months after UAE was greater in the T2 high group than in the control group.

O valor da doplervelocimetria na avaliação do leiomioma uterino / The role of Doppler velocimetry in the assessment of uterine leiomyoma

Os autores fizeram uma revisão de literatura acerca da análise doplervelocimétrica como ferramenta ultrassonográfica do comportamento biológico da vasculatura uterina e do leiomioma uterino, e procuraram averiguar, por meio de revisão da literatura, se o Doppler poderia diferenciar o leiomioma do leiomiossarcoma e avaliar a resposta ao tratamento clínico com agonistas do GnRH, moduladores seletivos de receptores de progesterona e procedimentos minimamente invasivos destes tumores. Outros tipos de tratamento não foram avaliados. Apesar do restrito número de estudos e da baixa casuística de cada pesquisa isoladamente, observou-se que há uma mudança no índice de resistência dos parâmetros doplervelocimétricos após o tratamento farmacológico e/ou minimamente invasivo do leiomioma uterino; as demais variáveis se comportam de forma variável. Concluiu-se, portanto, que a doplervelocimetria parece não se constituir ainda um parâmetro confiável para diferenciar o leiomioma do leiomiossarcoma e de avaliação de resposta ao tratamento clínico

The authors performed a literature review about Doppler velocimetry as the ultrasonographic tool of the biological behavior from uterine and leiomioma vascularization. They also tried to ascertain through literature review if Doppler could differ between leiomioma to leiomyossarcoma and assess response to clinical treatment with GnRH agonists, selective modulators of progesterone receptors and minimally invasive procedures of these tumors. Other types of treatment were not evaluated. Despite the restrict number of studies and low sampling of each research, there was a change on resistant index from Doppler velocimetry patterns after pharmacological and/or minimally invasive treatment of uterine leiomioma; other indices behaved diversely. Therefore, we concluded that Doppler velocimetry does not constitute a good pattern to differ uterine leiomioma from leiomyossarcoma and of response assessment to clinical treatment

Impacto da embolização arterial do leiomioma uterino no volume uterino, diâmetro do mioma dominante e na função ovariana / Impact of the myoma arterial embolization by uterine volume, diameter myoma greater and in the ovarian function

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da embolização arterial de miomas (EAM) sobre o volume uterino (VU), na função ovariana. MÉTODOS: Trinta pacientes com leiomioma se submeteram à EAM. Foram realizados exames de USPTV e FSH antes e três meses após a EAM. Foram analisados o VU em cm³, o diâmetro do mioma dominante (DMD) em cm e o FSH em UI/mL, expressos por média desvio padrão (DP) e submetidos a análise estatística pelo teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: Foram incluidos na análise 29 casos. A média do VU pré-EAM foi 402,4 165,9 cm³, DMD pré-EAM 5,9 2,1 cm. O VU pós-EAM foi 258,9 118,6 cm³, DMD pós-EAM foi 4,6 1,8 cm. A média da dosagem de FSH pré-EAM foi 4,9 3,5 UI/mL e pós-EAM foi 5,5 4,7 UI/mL com p=0,5. Houve redução de 35 por cento do VU, de 22 por cento no DMD e a EAM não alterou significativamente os valores de FSH após três meses. CONCLUSÃO: O procedimento diminui significativamente o VU e DMD e, não há aumento significativo dos níveis séricos de FSH, não havendo, portanto, alterações na função ovariana.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of uterine artery embolization (UAE) on uterine volume (UV), greater myoma diameter (GMD) and ovarian function three months after the procedure, by transvaginal pelvic ultrasonography (TVPUS) and by the determination of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). METHODS: Thirty patients with leiomyomas were submitted to UAE. TVPUS and FSH determination were performed before and three months after UAE. UV was determined in cm³, GMD in cm and FSH in IU/mL. Data are reported as as mean standard deviation (SD) and were analyzed statistically by the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were analyzed. Before UAE, mean UV was 402.4 165.9 cm³ and GMD was 5.9 2.1 cm. After UAE, mean UV was 258.9 118.6 cm³ and GMD was 4.6 1.8 cm. Mean FSH concentration was 4.9 3.5 IU/mL before UAE and 5.5 4.7 IU/mL after UAE, with p=0.5. There was a 35 percent reduction of UV and a 22 percent reduction of GMD, with no changes in FSH values after three months. CONCLUSION: The procedure significantly reduced UV and GMD but did not cause a significant increase in FSH levels, thus causing no changes in ovarian function.

Laparoscopic Myomectomy for Infertile Patients with Intramural Fibroids: a Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Endoscopic Centre

Background: The safety of laparoscopic myomectomy has been questioned especially in the case of intramural fibroids. Objectives: To assess the safety of a laparoscopic myomectomy for intramural fibroids and study the subsequent effect on fertility Methods and Settings: A retrospective study of a tertiary endoscopic centre specialising in laparoscopic myomectomy. Results: 87 Patients were studied and there were no major complications. The conversion rate from laparoscopy to laparotomy was 3/87 (3.4) due to multiple fibroids. There was one case of uterine perforation during hysteroscopy. The overall pregnancy rate was 29/64 (45) with a spontaneous pregnancy rate of 18/29 (62). Conclusions: Laparoscopic myomectomy can be regarded as a safe alternative to abdominal myomectomy in the hands of the experienced surgeon resulting in good subsequent pregnancy rates

Pregnancy after uterine arterial embolization

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes, complications and neonatal outcomes in women who had previously undergone uterine arterial embolization. METHODS: A retrospective study of 187 patients treated with uterine arterial embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids between 2005-2008 was performed. Uterine arterial embolization was performed using polyvinyl alcohol particles (500-900 mm in diameter). Pregnancies were identified using screening questionnaires and the study database. RESULTS: There were 15 spontaneous pregnancies. Of these, 12.5 percent were miscarriages (n = 2), and 87.5 percent were successful live births (n = 14). The gestation time for the pregnancies with successful live births ranged from 36 to 39.2 weeks. The mean time between embolization and conception was 23.8 months (range, 5-54). One of the pregnancies resulted in twins. The newborn weights (n = 14) ranged from 2.260 to 3.605 kg (mean, 3.072 kg). One (7.1 percent) was considered to have a low birth weight (2.260 kg). There were two cases of placenta accreta (12.5 percent, treated with hysterectomy in one case [6.3 percent]), one case of premature rupture of the membranes (PRM) (6.3 percent), and one case of preeclampsia (6.3 percent). All of the patients were delivered via Cesarean section. CONCLUSION: In this study, there was an increased risk of Cesarean delivery. There were no other major obstetric risks, suggesting that pregnancy after uterine arterial embolization is possible without significant morbidity or mortality.

Embolização de mioma uterino em mulheres portadoras de miomas volumosos / Uterine fibroid embolization in women with giant fibroids

OBJETIVO: avaliar a eficácia da embolização de mioma uterino (EMUT) em pacientes com miomas volumosos no que diz respeito tanto à evolução clínica quanto à redução do tamanho dos mesmos. MÉTODOS: vinte e seis pacientes com média etária de 36,5 anos, portadoras de miomas uterinos sintomáticos com volume acima de 1.000 cm³, foram submetidas à EMUT. Todas possuíam indicação para tratamento percutâneo. Os procedimentos foram realizados sob anestesia epidural e sedação, empregando-se protocolo institucional de analgesia. Após punção femoral unilateral, foi realizado o cateterismo seletivo das artérias uterinas e infusão de microesferas calibradas por meio de microcateter. A avaliação clínica pós-procedimento foi realizada em ambulatório de ginecologia segundo o protocolo de atendimento. Todas as pacientes tinham ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM) antes do procedimento e 15 pacientes RNM de controle após 6 meses. RESULTADOS: o sucesso técnico foi de 100 por cento. Não houve complicação relacionada aos procedimentos. A média de volume uterino das 15 pacientes foi 1.401 cm³ antes da embolização (min. 1.045 cm³, max. 2.137 cm³) e, após 6 meses 799 cm³ (min. 525 cm³, max. 1.604 cm³), constituindo uma redução média de 42,9 por cento. A melhora clínica foi constatada em 25 das 26 pacientes. Uma paciente com útero de 1.098 cm³ apresentou necrose e expulsão parcial do mioma, sendo submetida à miomectomia. Outra paciente foi submetida à miomectomia após seis meses devido ao desejo de gravidez, apesar da redução parcial do volume dos miomas. Uma paciente com volume uterino de 2.201 cm³ necessitou de segunda intervenção para alcançar um resultado adequado. Nenhuma paciente foi submetida à histerectomia. Foram utilizadas em média 9,2 seringas de microesferas por paciente. CONCLUSÃO: a embolização de miomas uterinos de grande volume é um procedimento factível, com aceitáveis resultados clínico e radiológico. Pode ser considerada uma opção para as pacientes que desejam a preservação uterina e também servir como terapêutica adjuvante à miomectomia de alto risco.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the effectiveness of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) in patients with giant fibroids, with regard to both clinical outcomes and size reduction. METHODS: twenty-six patients with a mean age of 36.5 years, carrying symptomatic fibroids with a volume over 1,000 cm³, were referred for UFE. All patients had indication for percutaneous treatment. The procedures were performed under epidural anesthesia and sedation, using an institutional protocol. By unilateral femoral access, selective catheterization of uterine arteries and infusion of calibrated microspheres through microcatheter were carried out. Clinical evaluation was performed by means of regular outpatient gynecology consultation. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before the procedure and 15 patients underwent control MRI after 6 months. RESULTS: technical success was 100 percent. There was no complication related to the procedures. Mean uterine volume of the 15 patients studied was 1,401 cm³ before embolization (min 1,045 cm³, max 2,137 cm³) and 799 cm³ after 6 months (525 cm³ min, max. 1,604 cm³), resulting in a total reduction of 42.9 percent. Clinical improvement was observed in 25 of 26 patients. One woman with uterine volume of 1,098 cm³ who developed necrosis and partial fibroid expulsion underwent myomectomy. Another patient was submitted to myomectomy six months after the procedure because she wanted to become pregnant, despite partial fibroid size reduction. One patient with a uterine volume of 2,201 cm³ required a second intervention to achieve an adequate angiographic result. No patient underwent hysterectomy. On average, 9.2 microsphere syringes were used per patient. CONCLUSION: embolization of giant uterine fibroids is a feasible procedure with acceptable clinical and radiological outcomes. It can be considered an option for patients who desire to preserve the uterus, and it may serve as adjuvant therapy for high-risk myomectomy.

Estratégias para redução da exposição de radiação ionizante em mulheres submetidas à embolização de miomas uterinos / Strategies for reduction of exposure to ionizing radiation in women undergone to uterine fibroid embolization

OBJETIVO: quantificar a dose de radiação ionizante absorvida pelo ovário e pela pele em pacientes submetidas à embolização de miomas uterinos (EMUT), assim como sugerir um protocolo radiológico voltado à redução dos riscos envolvidos neste procedimento. MÉTODOS: setenta e três mulheres consecutivas (média etária de 27 anos), participantes de protocolo de pesquisa institucional, portadoras de miomas uterinos sintomáticos com indicação de tratamento minimamente invasivo, foram submetidas a procedimento de EMUT. Foram calculadas a estimativa de radiação absorvida pelos ovários por meio de dosímetros vaginais e a estimativa de dose de entrada na pele, por cálculos indiretos de absorção de radiação. As primeiras 49 pacientes fizeram parte do Grupo Pré-alteração e as últimas 24, do Grupo Pós-alteração. O segundo grupo recebeu um protocolo modificado de imagem radiológica, com redução pela metade do número de quadros por segundo durante as arteriografias, idealizado na tentativa de enquadrar os valores obtidos aos existentes na literatura, assim como foi evitado ao máximo a exposição desnecessária ao feixe de raios X. RESULTADOS: não houve complicações técnicas em nenhum dos procedimentos realizados. Não houve diferenças entre o tempo médio de fluoroscopia ou entre o número médio de arteriografias entre os dois grupos. Foi obtida uma redução de 57 por cento na estimativa de dose ovariana absorvida entre as pacientes dos dois grupos (29,0 versus 12,3 cGy), assim como uma redução de 30 por cento na estimativa de dose absorvida pela pele (403,6 versus 283,8 cGy). CONCLUSÕES: a redução significativa da absorção de radiação em pacientes submetidas a procedimentos de EMUT pode ser alcançada pela modificação do número de quadros por segundo nas aquisições arteriográficas, assim como pela implantação rotineira das normas de proteção radiológica.

PURPOSE: to determine the dose of ionizing radiation absorbed by the ovaries and the skin of patients undergoing uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), and to suggest a radiologic protocol directed at reducing the risks involved in this procedure. METHODS: seventy-three consecutive women (mean age: 27 years) participating in an institutional research protocol, having symptomatic uterine fibroids with indication for minimally invasive treatment, underwent UFE. We estimated the radiation absorbed by the ovaries by means of vaginal dosimeters and the radiation dose absorbed by the skin by means of indirect calculations of radiation absorption. The first 49 patients belonged to the Pre-modification Group, and the last 24, to the Post-modification Group. The second group received a modified protocol of X-ray imaging, with a reduction by half of the frames number per second during arteriography, in an attempt to match the values obtained to those of the literature, and avoiding as much as possible unnecessary exposure to the X-ray beam. RESULTS: there were no technical complications in any of the procedures performed. There were no differences in the mean fluoroscopy time or in the mean number of arteriographies between the two groups. We obtained a 57 percent reduction in the estimated absorbed ovarian dose between groups (29.0 versus 12.3 cGy) and a 30 percent reduction in the estimated dose absorbed by the skin (403.6 versus 283.8 cGy). CONCLUSIONS: a significant reduction in the absorption of radiation in patients undergoing UFE can be achieved by changing the number of frames per second in angiographic series, and by the routine use of radiological protection standards.

A Five-year review of uterine fibroids at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Uterine fibroids are benign tumours that arise from myometrial smooth muscle cells. They are the most common tumours found in humans and are particularly common in Negros. We determined the prevalence modes of presentation and treatment modalities of uterine fibroid at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; Uyo; Nigeria. Methods: The case notes of all patients with uterine fibroids over a 4-year period were studied. Results: Uterine fibroids accounted for 7.1of gynaecological admissions and 21.2of major gynaecological surgeries. The patients' age ranged from 21 to 55 years with modal age group being 31-40 years (38.8). Majority of the patients were of low parity (75.4). The most common presenting complaints were abdominal swelling (25.5) and infertility (21.4). Myomectomy was the most common surgical procedure performed (77.6) and the most common post operative omplications were anaemia (21.4) and pyrexia (18.4). Conclusion: Uterine fibroids are common in our environment. The patients are predominantly of low parity and myomectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed

Avaliação da proporção de colágeno no tecido uterino antes e após tratamento do leiomioma uterino pela embolização arterial / Collagen histomorphometric evaluation in uterin tissue samples before and after treatment of uterine fibroids with arterial embolization

OBJETIVO: analisar as repercussões histomorfométricas da embolização das artérias uterinas (EAU) no tecido uterino, especialmente mediante quantificação de tecido colágeno, através de biópsia uterina antes e após tratamento de leiomioma uterino. MÉTODOS: participaram do estudo 15 pacientes portadoras de leiomiomas sintomáticos e/ou com infertilidade, submetidas à EAU após ciência do termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido, obedecendo aos critérios de exclusão do estudo. Foi realizada biópsia uterina na fase secretória do ciclo menstrual antes e três meses após o procedimento, para avaliação do colágeno. Após o processamento histológico do material, foram feitos cortes de 3µ, sendo alguns corados pela hematoxilina-eosina (HE), e outros pela coloração específica para fibras colágenas (Picrosirius red). Em seguida, foi realizada a leitura e interpretação das lâminas e a quantificação do colágeno. Sua quantificação foi calculada como o percentual da área composta por colágeno, e o resultado expresso em média±desvio padrão (DP). Os dados foram então submetidos à análise estatística pelo teste t de Student pareado (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: nas biópsias realizadas antes do tratamento, foi notada a presença de células musculares lisas, rodeadas por rica trama de fibras colágenas que compõem o tumor, vasos sanguíneos e núcleos de fibroblastos. Nas lâminas das biópsias realizadas após o tratamento, foi observada a presença de necrose de coagulação difusa, trombose vascular, áreas de calcificação e de infiltração linfoplasmocitária e nítida diminuição do componente colágeno. A porcentagem de fibras colágenas foi maior no grupo pré-EAU (84,07±1,41) do que no grupo pós-EAU, (81,05±1,50), com p<0,0001, e intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento (IC95 por cento) entre 2,080 e 3,827. CONCLUSÃO: a redução quantitativa e qualitativa do colágeno evidencia que o tratamento proposto é eficaz em reduzir a massa tumoral, composta principalmente por fibras colágenas ...

PURPOSE: to analyze histomorphometric consequences of the uterine arteries embolization (UAE) in the uterine tissue, especially by collagen tissue quantification through uterine biopsy, before and after treatment of uterine leiomyoma. METHODS: 15 patients with symptomatic leyomioma and/or infertility, submitted to UAE, participated in the study according to the study exclusion criteria, after having signed an informed consent. Uterine biopsy was performed in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, before and three months after the procedure, to evaluate the collagen. After the histological processing of the material, 3 µ slices were prepared, some of them dyed with hematoxiline-eosin (HE) and others with the specific dye for collagen fibers (Picrosirius red). Then, the slides were examined and interpreted, and the collagen quantified. The amount was calculated as the percent of the area composed by collagen, and the result expressed in mean±standard deviation (SD). Data has then been submitted to statistical analysis by Student's paired t test (p<0.05). RESULTS: the presence of smooth muscle cells was observed in the biopsies performed before the treatment, surrounded by a rich network of collagen fibers, which are part of the tumor, blood vessels and fibroblast nuclei. On the slides of biopsies performed after the treatment, it was observed the presence of widespread coagulation necrosis, vascular thrombosis, calcification and lymphoplasmocitary infiltration areas and clear reduction of the collagen component. The percentage of collagen fibers was higher in the pre-UAE group (84.07±1.41), than in the post-UAE (81.05±1.50) group, with p<0.0001, and 95 percent confidence interval (CI95 percent) from 2.080 to 3.827. CONCLUSION: the quantitative and qualitative collagen reduction clearly shows that the proposed treatment is efficient in reducing the tumoral mass, composed mainly by collagen fibers intermingled with neoplasic smooth muscle ...