Clinical effect of color Doppler sonography in evaluating uterine arterial embolization for leiomyoma

Objective To study the clinical value of color Doppler sonography in the evaluation of effects of uterine arterial embolization (UAE) for the leiomyoma. Methods Sonographic examinations were performed in 38 patients with symptomatic leiomyoma before, and 5-9 days, 3-6 months after UAE. The size, morphology, echotexture and blood perfusion of uterus and leiomyoma were observed, and clinical symptoms also were assessed. Results Thirty cases (83%) had moderate or better improvement in menorrhagia. Fourteen cases (78%) with bulk-related symptoms were improved. The volumes of uterus and leiomyoma decreased by 65% and 56% 3-6 months after UAE (P0.01), the internal echotextures of leiomyoma changed from hyperecho to homogeneous, slight hyperecho, isoecho or hypoecho, the ring strong echo could be seen around the leiomyoma; the blood perfusion of the leiomyoma reduced significantly after UAE (P0.01). Conclusion UAE for the treatment of symptomatic leiomyoma is a safe and effective and color Doppler sonography provides an important method for evaluating the effect of UAE.