Journal: Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2008;19:657-661.
Authors: Margau R, Simons M, Rajan D, Hayeems E, Sniderman K, Tan K, Beecroft R, Kachura J.
Study from: Department of Medical Imaging, New York Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
Problem: In the early days of uterine artery embolization there were two published instances where pedunculated fibroids (on a stalk) detached from the uterus and caused inflammation in the abdomen which required surgery to remove the fibroid. However, we did not know whether this was a frequent or rare problem.
Study: Among 240 women who had UAE, 16 women had fibroids on a stalk on the outside of the uterus. The average size of the fibroid was about 7 cm (3 inches) in diameter. The average width of the stalk was 2.7 cm (1 inch) and 6 fibroids had a stalk less than 2 cm in width.
Results: None of the 16 women had a pedunculated fibroid detach as a result of UAE. The average reduction in size of the fibroid was 39%, the same results that have been published for other types of fibroids.
Dr. Parker’s Comments: These results are very encouraging and will allow more women to have UAE. The only problem with the study is that it is possible, in fact likely, that some women with large fibroids on long or thin stalks were not recommended for UAE in the first place. So, the recommendation for UAE will depend on the interpretation of the MRI by the interventional radiologist. More about UAE can be found here: https://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/uterine-artery-embolization/
