Role of magnetic resonance imaging in patient selection for uterine artery embolization

Uterine fibroids are common tumors of the female pelvis. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an effective treatment of symptomatic uterine leiomyoma in the appropriate candidates, reducing or eliminating leiomyoma-related symptoms of bleeding, bulk, and/or pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to assess women with symptoms potentially attributable to uterine leiomyomas, and help to determine who is an appropriate candidate for UAE. Because of soft tissue characterization, multiplanar imaging capabilities, and enhancement, MR imaging not only accurately detects and characterizes uterine leiomyomas but also may predict who will benefit from the embolization. MRI ability to detect coexistent uterine or pelvic pathology may change the diagnosis and treatment management of patients being evaluated for UAE.