Uterine artery Doppler flow velocity waveform analysis following uterine fibroid embolisation

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2015 Apr;35(3):316-7. doi: 10.3109/01443615.2014.940298. Epub 2014 Jul 24.

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the relation of uterine artery Doppler flow pulsatility index (PI) with total uterine volume reduction following bilateral embolisation of uterine fibroids by injection of polyvinyl alcohol particles. Doppler flow velocity was examined before and within 8 days after embolisation (n = 13). Uterine size was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before, and at 3 and 6 months after, the procedure. Mean PI values (mean of right and left side) obtained before embolisation were negatively related to uterine size (r = -0.68, p = 0.010) but not to uterine volume reduction after the procedure. Mean PI values after the procedure were related to the percentage decrease in uterine volume both at 3 (r = 0.74, p = 0.004) and 6 months (p = 0.73, p = 0.005). Doppler ultrasound measures of the uterine arteries may be used to evaluate reduction of uterine size following fibroid embolisation.

Keywords: Doppler velocimetry; embolisation; magnetic resonance imaging; uterine artery; uterine leiomyoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Organ Size
  • Pulsatile Flow
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler
  • Uterine Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Uterine Artery Embolization
  • Uterine Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Uterus / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterus / pathology*