Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound for uterine fibroids.

INTRODUCTION

The uterine leiomyoma is a pelvic solid tumor more frequent in women. The Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a technique aimed at diminishing hypermenorrhagia and dysmenorrhea in symptomatic women.

OBJECTIVE

To show the effects subsequent to MRgFUS application on symptoms, quality of life, and myoma volume in symptomatic women.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients with symptomatic uterine myomas underwent MRgFUS followed by clinical evaluation, pelvis MRI, and administration of the UFS-QoL questionnaire at 6 months and 12 months to detect symptom improvements and decrease in myoma volume.

RESULTS

The mean myoma volume decreased 24 % after 6 months and 42 % after 12 months. The mean score on the UFS-QoL questionnaire increased 54 % after 6 months and 81 % after 12 months. There were no serious complications. Four patients had first-degree burns. No infection cases were reported. Two patients progressed to a myomectomy by surgical hysteroscopy and one of them underwent total hysterectomy 11 months after the MRgFUS treatment.

CONCLUSION

This case series suggests that MRgFUS therapy is viable and effective in reducing symptoms and improving the life quality of symptomatic patients.