Comparison of the SMI Technique and CEUS for the Assessment of Microvasculature in Leiomyosarcoma and Its Clinical Value for Application.

INTRODUCTION

To compare the ultrasonic flow imaging (SMI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in evaluating leiomyoma microvessels and their clinical value.

METHODS

141 patients with uterine leiomyoma treated from March 2023 to March 2024 were retrospectively studied. They were divided into CEUS group (n = 70) and SMI group (n = 71) based on treatment-guiding methods. Blood flow parameters, blood flow grading, fibroid volume, volume reduction rate, and ablation rate were observed and compared. Kappa coefficients analyzed the consistency of blood-flow assessment, and Spearman's correlation analyzed the relationship between blood flow grading and parameters.

RESULTS

Before treatment, no significant differences were found between the two groups (p > 0.05). After treatment, the SMI group had better results in blood flow parameters, grading, volume, reduction rate, and ablation rate (p < 0.05). The two methods had no significant difference in assessing blood flow grading after treatment (p > 0.05), but significant differences in assessing uterine fibroids. Their agreement on blood flow grading was general. Blood flow parameters were positively correlated with both groups (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION: Both SMI and CEUS can reflect fibroid microvessels and guide treatment, yet SMI is more effective, offering reference for clinical treatment selection.