Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound for uterine fibroids

Abstract

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.